Apprentice - Business Administration (Children's Services)
Thurrock Council
Essex (RM17 6SL)
Closes in 19 days (Sunday 22 February 2026)
Posted on 28 January 2026
Contents
Summary
This apprenticeship would suit anyone looking for a career in Business Administration and in interest in Social Care, whether you’re a school leaver or looking for a career change. You’ll be part of the Family Support Team in Children's Services, who are friendly and supportive, offering a varied and interesting workload.
- Wage
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£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Pay will be National Minimum Wage according to your age
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Example - Monday to Thursday, 8.45am - 5.15pm and Friday, 8.45am - 4.45pm.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 13 April 2026
- Duration
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1 year 9 months
- Positions available
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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
You’ll be part of Thurrock Council's Family Support Team in Children's Services who work with families experiencing a range of challenges such as debt, domestic violence, poor mental or emotional health and substance misuse.
The Business Administration Apprentice will support the Family Support Team and will be responsible for:
- Monitoring a generic FST inbox
- Answering telephone calls
- Tracking data such as passports, birth certificates and meetings
- Supporting with ad-hoc administrative tasks
- Opportunity to shadow and minute-take Children's Services meetings
You’ll be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in a number of office-based activities as required by the qualification.
Where you'll work
Civic Offices
New Road
Grays
Essex
RM17 6SL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH ESSEX 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 study towards the level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship qualification and will be practising the skills learned in your day-to-day job.
- Study will take place at South Essex College, who are based in New Road Grays. However, training will be mostly delivered online. A tutor will be allocated to you to support you throughout your qualification and meet with you regularly online.
- You will be allocated 6 hours per week for off-the-job training. This will be within your paid working hours. These hours can be spread across the week and will be agreed between yourself, your line manager and your tutor.
- Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths, if required.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
Our vision – An ambitious and collaborative community which is proud of its heritage and excited by its diverse opportunities and future. Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
http://thurrock.gov.uk/jobs (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement, Local Government Pension Scheme, regular training & support, Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing support, Staff discounts & local offers, Supportive & inclusive working environment
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- This apprenticeship prepares you for a variety of roles involving Buisness Administration. At the end of your apprenticeship you will be supported to apply for suitable vacancies (subject to availability).
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000011222.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Sunday 22 February 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.