Apprentice (Business Administrator)
Durham County Council
Co Durham, Durham, Spennymoor
Closes on Monday 6 April 2026
Posted on 23 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Business Administrators are at the heart of an organisation. They provide valuable support for a wide range of business functions, from dealing with enquiries to managing databases. A career in Business Administration can take you anywhere! The field is broad and there are many roles to choose from depending on your interests.
- Wage
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£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday to Friday, working 37 hours, with some roles being eligible for flexible and hybrid working. Shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
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2 years
- Positions available
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9
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
While the duties of the role will vary depending upon the team you are based in, you will be trained and will undertake a wide range of administrative duties, all those associated with the running of a modern office; spreadsheet/database use and development, communicating using a range of media including letters, email, phone and Microsoft Teams, using specialist computer systems, logging and dealing with queries, supporting change and improvement, being positive and working effectively and efficiently as part of a team.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Corten House, Aykley Heads, Co Durham, DH1 5TS
- Rivergreen Centre, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS
- Green Lane Offices, Spennymoor, DL16 6JQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
COUNTY DURHAM COUNCIL
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 need to attend in house classroom sessions on a fortnightly basis.
Requirements
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
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
About this employer
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we employ over 16,000 people and have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services for more than 513,000 people. We are a forward-looking council and recognise that we need passionate people who share our enthusiasm to deliver fantastic services to the people of County Durham.
http://www.durham.gov.uk (opens in new tab)
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
We are unable to guarantee a role but there will be plenty of progression opportunities available during the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Durham County Council
Lisa Richardson
lisa.richardson@durham.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017331.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 6 April 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.