Business Administration Apprentice

The Bristol Port Company

BRISTOL (BS11 9DQ)

Closes in 11 days (Friday 5 December 2025)

Posted on 21 November 2025

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Summary

We have an exciting opportunity here at Bristol Port for an individual interested in undertaking an 18-month apprenticeship in business administration. The role will primarily report to the HR Department, but will have wider involvement and exposure across all admin functions of the business, including cover of our switchboard and reception area.

• Wage:

  £19,104 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Rising to £27,189 after one year

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm, with an hour for lunch each day.

  38 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 5 January 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The role is based within the HR team but offers the opportunity to gain experience across different areas of the business. 

Key duties and responsibilities include: 

• Provide general administrative support across the business
• Assist the HR department with routine tasks and record keeping
• Cover reception and switchboard when required
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, including franking and distribution
• Order stationery and maintain office supplies
• Support banking and other basic office processes
• Carry out a wide range of administrative duties

Where you'll work

St Andrew's House, St Andrew's Road
Avonmouth
BRISTOL
BS11 9DQ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

• You will be pursuing a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Business Administration, through Weston College
• As part of this program, you will attend Weston College once a month for workshops
• An assessor will conduct on-site observations to evaluate your progress, as well as supporting you in college throughout your apprenticeship
• At the conclusion of your programme, your qualification will be assessed through an apprenticeship assessment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• 3 other subjects (grade 4/C or above)
• English (grade 4/C or above)
• Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Initiative
• Enthusiastic to learn
• Flexible attitude

Other requirements

A full driving licence is essential, as a considerable amount of driving around the dock estate is required. Please note: This advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if sufficient applications are received.

About this employer

The Bristol Port Company was formed in 1991 when entrepreneurs Terence Mordaunt and David Ord purchased the Port of Bristol from Bristol City Council. Since privatisation over £600 million has been invested to create a modern, thriving business offering the full range of shipping, distribution and logistics services

https://www.bristolport.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays • Generous pension scheme • Subsidised canteens and free access to on-site gym • Ongoing training and support in your role • Clear career paths with excellent prospects • Environment and charity work

After this apprenticeship

• Possible full time position upon successful completion of apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000001375.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Friday 5 December 2025)

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