Apprentice Receptionist and Reprographics Support

The Joseph Whitaker School

Mansfield (NG21 0AG)

Closes in 30 days (Monday 16 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 January 2026

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Summary

Due to an internal promotion we are looking for someone who can be the first point of contact for visitors into the academy, be the person who answers the phone and provides administrative and reprographics support as required. 

Wage

£14,526 a year

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The rate of pay is based on £7.55 per hour but will rise to £8.00 per hour from April 1st.

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.00pm. Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 23 February 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

Accountable for:

  • The reception of parents and visitors
  • Dealing with incoming telephone calls
  • Dealing with incoming and outgoing mail
  • Dealing with incoming and outgoing deliveries
  • Dealing with incoming email communication to the office
  • The provision of effective and efficient administration and reprographics

Reception

  • Ensure prompt, efficient and courteous attention to parents and other visitors to the Visitor Reception area on a day to day basis
  • Be present at Visitor Reception at all times, other than during designated break periods, in order to welcome visitors
  • Ensure that visitors:
    - Sign in using the agreed Academy system
    - Are issued with a Visitor Badge
    - Sign out using the agreed Academy system
    - Return their Visitor Badge
  • Receive deliveries of mail and parcels etc. and to alert those responsible for their distribution or collection
  • Ensure that the Reception area is kept in a pristine condition at all times
  • Ensure all telephone and personal enquiries are dealt with efficiently and effectively in a way which promotes a positive image of the Academy; route such calls to appropriate extensions or receive and pass on messages intended for members of staff or students
  • Report telephone or other faults to the IT Network Manager
  • Receive and sort into categories for distribution all inward mail
  • Ensure that all mail is distributed throughout the Academy using established systems and channels
  • Log-in and store small signed-for parcels or letters and inform staff of items to be collected and signed-for
  • Sign courier sheets or machines for large parcels that are to be left in the parcel room
  • Ensure that the Academy’s email address is opened daily and that correspondence is distributed accordingly
  • Arrange courier services as required
  • Ensure that all electronic message boards within Reception are turned on between 8.00 am and 4.30 pm
  • Be vigilant to ensure that all persons entering through the main front door report to reception
  • Keep a general oversight of the area in front of the school both to ensure that vehicles are parked correctly and that general matters of security are in order
  • Provide administrative and reprographics support to the Administration Office or Student Services office as required
  • Uniform (management of loaned items)
  • Contact with parents to support with uniform policy – missing or additional items
  • Vaccination team support with student admin

General

  • Provide support for the administration and taking of school photographs
  • Maintain a sound working knowledge of manual and ICT based administrative systems and procedures used in the Academy
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to improve the efficiency of internal procedures and working and arrangements and take maximum advantage of the potential offered by systems including Arbor
  • Identify opportunities for job enrichment as well as introducing systems and process improvements through simplification or integration to deliver improved efficiency and lower costs
  • The effective and efficient use of resources
  • Undertaking any other duties which may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities/grade of the post as defined, as specified by the Headteacher or the Administration Services Manager

Where you'll work

Warsop Lane
Rainworth
Mansfield
NG21 0AG

Training

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

Training provider

WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 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

We host supporting workshops regularly throughout the apprenticeship which you will attend in person at our designated training site/campus. These workshops are carefully designed to support the learning required throughout the apprenticeship programme.

You will work with expert assessors and tutors to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours within the profession.

You will experience a blended learning model.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • 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
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

A good understanding of safeguarding and the importance of confidentiality and discretion.

The successful applicant will be required to undego a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

About this employer

The Joseph Whitaker School was founded in 1963 and has served the communities of Rainworth, Blidworth and Ravenshead since then. The school is part of the East Midlands Education Trust and is home to around 1300 pupils. The school has benefited from significant investment & boasts state of the art facilities and impressive accommodation & grounds.

http://josephwhitaker.org (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

This post has become available due to an internal promotion. Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship it is hoped that you will stay and enjoy a long term career.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008956.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Monday 16 February 2026 at 11:59pm)