Business Administrator Apprentice

CATERPILLAR MARINE POWER UK LIMITED

Dorset (BH21 7PW)

Closes on Sunday 15 February 2026

Posted on 17 December 2025

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Summary

We are offering a 15-month Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at our Wimborne facility, BH21 7PW, in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College.

• Wage:

  £18,252 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  5% annual bonus scheme and share contribution scheme

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: 8.5 hour Monday - Thursday, 5 hours Friday.

  39 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 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

We are offering a 15-month Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at our Wimborne facility (BH21 7PW) in partnership with Bournemouth & Poole College. The programme combines on-the-job training with one day per week of college-based learning, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices will earn around £18,252 per year, work 39 hours per week, and enjoy benefits including 25 days’ holiday, bank holidays, a 5% annual bonus, pension, flexible working, and family-friendly policies. You’ll rotate through departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Finance, gaining broad business experience before specialising in a permanent role. Successful completion offers strong prospects for a permanent position and further career development within our organisation.

Where you'll work

Wimbourne Marine Power Centre, 22 Cobham Road
Ferndown Industrial Estate
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 7PW

Training

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

Training provider

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

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

As an apprentice, you’ll spend most of your time supporting business administration tasks across departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Finance. Your role will involve handling documents, updating records, managing communications, and assisting with scheduling and reporting. You’ll work closely with mentors and colleagues, attend team meetings, and contribute to projects that improve operational efficiency. One day each week will be dedicated to college-based learning at Bournemouth & Poole College.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

to include Maths & English (grade 4 orabove)

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

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements

The successful candidate will need to apply to Bournemouth and Poole College for an academic interview.

About this employer

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. One Company, Limitless Opportunities ? Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd is located on the outskirts of Wimborne on the Ferndown and Uddens Business Improvement District. Positioned centrally along the south coast, it is located close to national and international transport links. With approximately 130 members of staff, there is a long and distinguished history spanning over 50 years of manufacturing marine propulsion and auxiliary engines under the Cat® and Perkins Marine® brands. Genset packages ranging from 1.5 litre to 7.1 litre and 7.1 litre propulsion engines are produced at the Wimborne site. The facility can boast a wealth of hugely experienced designers, engineers and technicians used to providing solutions for commercial, pleasure, and military customers. From the design, testing and building, each engine is proven before leaving the premises to ensure the best performance for the end-user.

After this apprenticeship

Progression to full-time employment. Progression to a higher-level apprenticeship/further training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000005647.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 15 February 2026

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