Business Administration Apprentice

Walter Dawson and Son

York (YO30 4WG)

Closes in 25 days (Monday 2 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 5 January 2026

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Summary

WDS is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and professional Business Administration Apprentice to assist with the firm’s growth plans. We are looking for a candidate to help with the general administration primarily of our York office, as well as ad-hoc support to other offices across the firm.

• Wage:

  £15,100 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  We offer a performance related bonus scheme, subject to meeting of objectives and Directors’ discretion.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Thursday: 08.30 - 17.00, Friday - 08:30 - 15:30

  36 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 16 February 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 3 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

As a Business Support Administrator, no two days are the same. From being a point of contact for clients, to being a reliable source of support to Senior Leaders, the role is varied and presents a multitude of opportunities for personal growth. Typical duties include, but are not limited to:

• Reception duties including answering the telephone and greeting clients face to face
• Providing support to the senior leaders before and during client meetings, as directed
• Managing the meeting room calendar to ensure there is enough capacity
• Onboarding new clients and communicating with clients and Client Managers during the process
• Data Inputting, including updating client records and the filing archive
• Managing the incoming and outgoing post
• Preparing and sending out letters and emails, as directed
• Sending out Invoices to clients, as directed by other offices

Where you'll work

Lawrence House
James Nicholson Link
Clifton Moor
York
YO30 4WG

Training

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

Training provider

YORK COLLEGE

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

Business Administrator Level 3.

You will attend York College on day release.

More training information

During your time in college, apprentices will work towards developing their knowledge, skills and behaviours, and at work will consolidate your on-programme learning with the support of your employer. An assessor/reviewer will visit the workplace every 8-10 weeks to discuss and monitor progress on the apprenticeship in conjunction with the employer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• 3 other subjects (grade 4)
• English (grade 4)
• maths (grade 4)

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Professional telephone manner

Other requirements

Whilst the role will be predominantly based in our York office on Clifton Moor, there may be an occasional requirement to visit our other sites across Yorkshire. Any need to visit other sites would be discussed and arranged in advance.

About this employer

 

Established in 1886, Walter Dawson & Son is a trusted name in accountancy and auditing, proudly serving businesses across West and North Yorkshire. Operating from six offices and powered by a team of over 80 dedicated professionals, we combine tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional service. We are passionate about developing our teams from within. It’s this passion for people that has earned us a place among the UK’s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for two consecutive years.

 

 

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

Company benefits

20 days plus statutory holidays, Birthday holiday.

After this apprenticeship

WDS is looking forward to an exciting future, with growth at the forefront of our goals. We are committed to supporting this role over the long term, as we expect the business to grow throughout the apprenticeship period. There is a clear and ongoing need for this role, and we anticipate that its scope will expand as the company continues to grow.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

YORK COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000006637.

Apply now

Closes in 25 days (Monday 2 February 2026 at 11:59pm)