Commercial Apprentice (Business Admin Level 3)
SHOREHAM PORT AUTHORITY
Brighton (BN41 1WF)
Closes in 21 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)
Posted on 27 March 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you curious, ambitious, and excited by the idea of working in a dynamic and thriving port environment? Would you like to learn how a modern port attracts business, manages commercial customers, supports cargo operations, and runs a diverse commercial property estate?
- Wage
-
£17,500 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm, with an hour for lunch. During term-time you will attend college, one day a week.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
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1 year 6 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
Shoreham Port is a thriving hub for cargo, commercial tenants, and marine services, welcoming vessels, customers, and partners from around the world every day. From project cargo movements to managing over 150 commercial tenants across our extensive property estate, our Commercial team plays a vital role in shaping the Port’s future.
No two days are the same—this is your chance to be at the heart of a busy, thriving maritime environment learning all aspect of the commercial business side.
As a Commercial Apprentice you will gain hands-on experience, working within a well-established knowledgeable team of commercial and operational experts whilst obtaining a Business Administration Level 3 qualification.
This is a rare opportunity to build a strong foundation in business development, customer management, marketing, and commercial operations, all within one of the South Coast’s most dynamic and community‑focused Trust Ports.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Supporting the Head of Commercial (HoC) with daily customer key account management and updating customer relationship manager system
- Reviewing and reporting on cargo volumes and markets connected to the port.
- Supporting HoC with new cargo quotations and updating new business pipeline.
- Learning from the Operations Management team the types of operation required for each cargo.
• Reviewing and reporting on regional competitor ports and operations – cargo trends and development / innovation.
• Helping to ensure high standards of customer service is achieved with the Ports key accounts and new business enquiries.
• Coordinate customer visits, port tours and meetings.
• Attending commercial business development events as required
• Assisting other members of the Shipping, Customs and Property teams as and when appropriate.
• Opportunity to learn about other different commercial business areas within the port, including our large property commercial portfolio which has over 150 tenants and work with our hospitality venue port kitchen.
• Any other duties as directed by full Commercial team.
Where you'll work
Gate 1
Basin Road South
Portslade
Brighton
BN41 1WF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
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 offer a fully funded Level 3 (Business Administration) provided by Chichester College Group (CCG).
Your work schedule will be structured with 4 days a week in the office and 1 day a week attending college/studying remotely (term-time).
More training information
During the college holidays you will be in the office full-time so we can help you develop your portfolio for your end-point assessment.
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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Enthusiasm for business
- Self motivation
About this employer
Shoreham Port is a vital commercial hub with a proud history that dates back to 1760. Operating 24/7, our Port plays a crucial role in facilitating local and international trade, handling a diverse range of cargoes, including timber, steel, aggregates, bulks, glass, woodchip, and cereals. We provide a full range of marine services to commercial users including fishing vessels, and our marinas are home to many local leisure users. Beyond our core operations, we manage an extensive commercial property portfolio that supports over 170 small and medium-sized enterprises, including our own hospitality venue, Port Kitchen. Extensive onsite solar arrays and onshore wind turbines generate renewable energy, contributing towards our decade-long certification as an EcoPort.
https://www.shoreham-port.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
* Generous pension scheme * 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays * Full induction and provision of relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the role * Access to a health care plan * 25% colleague discount at Port Kitchen our on-site cafe
After this apprenticeship
- Completion of Business Administration Level 3 opens several career paths within the fields of business development, customer management, marketing and commercial operations
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SHOREHAM PORT AUTHORITY
The People Team
jobs@shoreham-port.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023631.
Apply now
Closes in 21 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.