Business Administrator Apprentice

TODS DEFENCE LTD

Portland (DT5 2JP)

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 10 April 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

In this role, you may work independently or as part of a team, supporting the development, delivery, maintenance and continuous improvement of administrative systems and services. Business administrators build essential professional competencies that support effective organisational operations and help you prepare for future progression.

Wage

£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Thursday – flexi time contract (age dependant on working hours per day).

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 4 May 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

  • Supporting our Marine Services Department with a variety of admin tasks, including booking hotels, arranging hire cars for delivery and collection, arranging site subs for our employees and ensuring they have the correct uniform.
  • Managing our uniform for Tods and Marine Services.
  • Managing our pool of company vans.
  • Booking employees' hours on our in-house database.

Where you'll work

Tods Technology
Wide Street
Portland
DT5 2JP

Training

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

Training provider

YEOVIL 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

  • All training will take place on site at our Manufacturing HQ in Portland, Dorset. 
  • Video masterclasses through Yeovil College, plus optional (but encouraged) sessions on campus term-time only. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience

Other requirements

You MUST be prepared to commit to your work and training for the duration of the apprenticeship. In some cases, you may be required to have a telephone interview with Yeovil College prior to your application being passed on. If a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date, it may close earlier, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

About this employer

Tods have been in existence for more than 90 years and is a preferred choice for the Royal Navy for the production of sonar domes, acoustic windows, acoustic coatings and other complex structures for surface warships and submarines.The company has also built an impeccable reputation for quality and delivery to over 25 navies worldwide, from Europe to USA and Asia. Products and services include the design and manufacture of sonar domes, submarine acoustic windows, acoustic cladding, damping treatments, radomes and other multifunctional structural composite enclosures that enhance the performance of vital sonar, radar and communications equipment.

 

http://www.tods.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 25 Days holiday per year + bank holidays
  • Health Cash Plan with Westfield Health
  • Cycle2work and Home & Tech Schemes
  • Annual travel insurance
  • Participation into annual bonus scheme

After this apprenticeship

Tods is currently growing as a business; therefore, plenty of opportunities to develop within the business. Our aim is to retain the apprentice once the qualification is achieved/completed.  The role could develop into a higher position within the Marine Services team in the future.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

YEOVIL COLLEGE

Gabrielle Cobner

studentrecruitment@yeovil.ac.uk

01935845380

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025717.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm)