L3 Apprentice – Business and Administration – Virtual Schools
Essex County Council
Essex (CM1 1QH)
Closes in 9 days (Sunday 17 May 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 8 May 2026
Contents
Summary
This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop a wide range of business support skills while working within a Virtual School in a local authority. The role provides valuable insight into education systems and how the Virtual School works across both education and social care, supporting vulnerable cohorts.
- Wage
-
£15,435 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Full-time - Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 July 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
- With guidance, provide support and engage with different parts of the organisation while interacting with internal or external customers regarding a wide range of activities
- With a focus on adding value, the role a level 3 apprentice is to contribute to the efficiency of an organisation, through support of functional areas, working across teams and resolving issues as requested
- Assisting colleagues with programmes of work to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, participate in and contribute to specific programme areas. Supporting the implementation of projects and initiatives by assisting in the coordination of tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring that timelines are met
- Develop an awareness of emerging industry trends and best practices, incorporating relevant knowledge into daily tasks and responsibilities
- Undertake the task of delivering administrative support across a wide array of activities, to ensure effective operations across diverse functions
- Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to ensure that work is completed efficiently and accurately
- Continuously learn and develop skills through on-the-job training and attending relevant workshops or courses
- Collaborate with mentors and senior team members to actively seek opportunities for professional development, tailored to both personal aspirations and organisational goals
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework
Where you'll work
County Hall
Market Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1QH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ESSEX COUNTY 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
Business Administrator Level 3.
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
- Customer care skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Patience
Other requirements
- You will need to be 16 years of age at the start of the apprenticeship
- You will need to have the right to work and study in England
- You will have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the apprenticeship start date
- You cannot have previously completed a qualification that is Level 2 or above in field that is related to Customer Services or Business Administration
- As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live, work and study in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas
Please note that we must be provided with your GCSE certificate at the final stage of the recruitment process. If you have international equivalent qualifications a NARIC Statement of Comparability must be provided. Should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service.
About this employer
At Essex County Council, we look after a large, diverse, complex region of the country. But our approach to creating a place where individuals, families and communities can thrive and prosper is simple.
Company benefits
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + choice to buy extra
- Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme
- Access to discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards
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
There is every opportunity to progress to further roles and training within Essex County Council, especially for someone considering a career in Administration, Local Government or Social Care.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Essex County Council
Ami Fosker
ami.fosker@essex.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000030678.
Apply now
Closes in 9 days (Sunday 17 May 2026 at 11:59pm)