Reception & Administration Apprentice
SOUTH HETTON HEALTH CENTRE DR J SMITH & DR P FOSTER
CO DURHAM (DH6 2TH)
Closes in 9 days (Friday 13 March 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 4 March 2026
Contents
Summary
The apprentice will work in a team of reception & admin staff within the practice. They will assist patients & direct them to the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient, & effective way. They will project a positive & friendly image to visitors, both in person & on the telephone.
- Wage
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£14,722.50 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday 8am - 5.30pm
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 23 March 2026
- Duration
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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
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administration:
- To have a thorough knowledge of all practice procedures including SystmOne
- To work in accordance with written protocols and policies
- Filing post in medical records, sorting and franking post
- Photocopying
- Answering calls, booking appointments, and dealing with patient queries
- Read coding, summarising, QoF admin support, deductions
Repeat Prescription:
- To have a thorough knowledge of the repeat prescription procedures
- Issue repeat prescriptions accurately, ensuring correct medications are issued
- Call patients back with Prescription queries
Reception:
- Receiving patients, consulting with members of practice team
- Handling completed repeat prescriptions to patient and checking names and address
- Be able to cover all reception position as necessary
- Process patient changes of address, computer data and medical records in line with good governance process e.g. Identity checking
- Monitor waiting room and keep clean and tidy
Scanning:
- Scan, code and file all letters on to patients notes
- Workflow all letters which need action to the relevant clinician
Computer:
- Registrations of new patient's computer data entry and medical records
- Process repeat prescription requests in accordance with practice guidelines
- Set up new starters (Practice and community colleagues)
- Transcribing for GPs and other members of the MDT
Telephone:
Have working knowledge of digital telephone systems and provide an efficient message taking/passing on facility, screening callers appropriately
Other Tasks:
- Maintaining the utmost professionalism at all times with patients, staff and visitors
- Opening and closing of Practice, ensuring building security and have thorough knowledge of doors/windows/alarm
- Provide cover on rota basis for extended hours services and colleague absences
- Any other tasks allocated by managers
The above list is not exhaustive and subject to change based on the needs of the business.
Where you'll work
SOUTH HETTON SURGERY
FRONT STREET
SOUTH HETTON
CO DURHAM
DH6 2TH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EAST DURHAM 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
The successful candidate will complete Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard. This will be delivered in the workplace, with a tutor visiting once a month. The only times you would be required to attend college would be if you have any maths and English functional skills to complete. Maths and English classes would be weekly until the exams are passed. If you hold either GCSE grade 4 or above, or a level 2 in maths and English, you will not be required to do these again.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 or C and above)
- Maths (grade 4 or C and above)
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
- Administrative skills
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
About this employer
Silverdale Family Practice is an NHS run Doctor's surgery.
https://www.silverdalefamilypractice.nhs.uk/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Upon completion of the apprenticeship there is the possibility of permanent employment and going on to complete further qualifications for the right person.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
Joanna
joanna.coates@eastdurham.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000018216.
Apply now
Closes in 9 days (Friday 13 March 2026 at 11:59pm)