Business Administrator Apprentice

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Recruiting nationally

Closes in 23 days (Sunday 15 March 2026)

Posted on 19 February 2026

---

Summary

Be part of an outstanding council apprenticeship programme with a nationally recognised, Top 100 Apprentice Employer and Regionally awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year. Join us on a permanent contract, gain real experience and a recognised qualification, and progress your career within the council.

• Wage:

  £24,413 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Salary progression will apply in accordance with council pay arrangements, including any national pay awards and movement to the substantive grade on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: This role is ‘Hybrid’ which means working from Council Hub buildings and from home. All apprenticeship training will take place during normal working hours. Discussed at interview.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 13 April 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 Apprentice Business Administrator is a key role within Cheshire West and Chester’s Revenues and Assessment Service which is within the wider Finance Directorate.

This apprentice role offers the opportunity to develop valuable experience of working within a busy administrative environment and acquire the skills and knowledge to become a Clerical Assistant.

The Apprentice Business Administrator will provide a wide range of essential administrative and business support activities to assist the Revenues and Assessment Service. This apprenticeship will have line manager, workplace mentor, inclusive employment manager and a dedicated apprentice programme tutor.

On successful completion of the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard and review of performance, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Clerical Assistant.

This role is ‘Hybrid’ which means working from Council Hub buildings and from home.

Notwithstanding the detail in this Job Role Profile, the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Principal Responsibilities of the job.

RESPONSIBILITIES - the Apprentice will…With appropriate support and supervision:

• To manage and administer the scanning and indexing of incoming documents from low-income residents in accordance with specific guidelines and quality control procedures and report any discrepancies to the team leader to ensure that claimants’ applications for financial support are administered appropriately and effectively
• To review, support and administer applications for schemes with basic eligibility criteria e.g. Free School Meals and assist customers seeking support by providing application forms and general claiming advice
• To maintain electronic financial recording systems in respect of benefit support schemes. To advise the appropriate Team Leader of any discrepancies and provide information and evidence to assist in the decision-making process for applications made by local residents
• To respond to enquiries in person, by telephone and in writing, from clients and a wide range of contacts, assessing their urgency and importance and to decide on the appropriate course of action (deal with the issue directly or liaise with other staff, agencies etc.) to avoid unnecessary disruption to professional staff
• To support the authority in achieving performance measures, by obtaining documentation required to process Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Discretionary Grant claims swiftly
• To have a working basic knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Free School Meals and other discretionary schemes administered by the Council in order to advise residents appropriately

Where you'll work

Attendance may be requested, so candidates should live within reasonable travel distance and be able to travel to Ellesmere Port as needed. All apprenticeship training and reviews will take place during normal working hours.

Training

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

Training provider

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

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.

Training will be delivered through a blend of workplace learning and formal off‑the‑job training.

Most training will take place at the apprentice’s normal place of work, with additional learning delivered by the training provider through college attendance, online learning, workshops, or Microsoft Teams.

Training will take place on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, with protected time during working hours to attend training sessions, complete learning activities, and prepare for assessments. 

The exact schedule will be agreed between the apprentice, line manager, and training provider as part of the individual training plan.

More training information

Training will be delivered by an approved apprenticeship training provider with experience supporting apprentices in a local government setting. The provider will work closely with the council, the line manager, and the apprentice to ensure the programme meets both organisational and individual development needs.

The apprenticeship will be structured around a blend of on‑the‑job learning and formal off‑the‑job training, which may include workshops, online learning, tutorials, and practical workplace activities. Progress will be reviewed regularly to ensure the apprentice is supported throughout the programme and prepared for end‑point assessment.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 9-4 C-A*)
• Maths (grade 9-4 C-A*)

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
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

About this employer

Local government is a diverse and dynamic environment, built on a foundation of many different occupations working together. From frontline services to strategic planning, every role contributes to shaping communities and improving lives. It’s a place where collaboration, innovation, and public service come together to make a real difference.

At Cheshire West and Chester Council, we’re proud of our commitment to excellence and inclusion. Our achievements speak for themselves:

• Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer
• Apprentice Employer of the Year Award
• Gold Award – Armed Forces Covenant
• Disability Confident Leader
• Recognised as a Good Investor in People

We’re dedicated to building a stronger future where everyone plays their part in creating thriving, caring, and sustainable communities. Here, you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact. We take pride in doing things differently—delivering vital services that touch every aspect of people’s lives. Our work spans a wide range of exciting change programmes designed to tackle challenges across the borough and drive positive outcomes for all.

 

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

Company benefits

Permanent apprenticeships from day one. We work closely and positively with our recognised trade unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE to make sure that the views of our colleagues are heard.

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

On successful completion of the Level 3 business administrator apprenticeship standard and review of performance, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Clerical Assistant. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016771.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Sunday 15 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.