Business Support Apprentice (S2607 - 10)
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Greater Manchester, Rochdale
Closes in 20 days (Monday 8 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 May 2026
Contents
Summary
The Children's Services dept. has responsibility for providing a business support service to a number of different areas which include Children’s Social Care and Early Help & Schools. This is an interesting and varied post and we are looking to recruit a hard-working and enthusiastic individual to be part of our Business Support Team.
- Wage
-
£15,434.33 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
NMW rate of £8.00 per hour for Apprentices as set by Government for the first 12 months, £15,434.33, and the nationally published living wage of £12.71 per hour for the remaining months of the contract, £24,521.
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
37 flexible working hours in accordance with the needs of the service, to include evening and weekends.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
4
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
Principal Duties:
1 To be responsible for providing efficient and effective administrative and/or customer service support to respond to service specific needs including:
- Postal duties
- Photocopying and collating documents
- Taking telephone messages
- Inputting data onto computer systems
- Using IT packages for word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
- Dealing with customer requirements in a courteous and professional manner, taking advice from the Admin Manager when appropriate
2 To be familiar with a range of IT systems.
3 To ensure effective use of office equipment and machinery and to make use of such facilities
4 To undertake word processing and other administrative/customer service work as required.
5 To undertake research and collate information as directed by Business Support Management.
6 To train with and shadow the Business Support Team to obtain experience of the various Administrative functions within Children’s Services scope of work.
7 To provide assistance to colleagues in allocated areas as and when appropriate.
Secondary Tasks:
1 To participate in council programmes of in-service training as a trainee and when required as a trainer facilitator.
2 To undertake such other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined from time to time by the Service Head (or nominated representative) in consultation with the postholder (and if he/she so wishes, with his/her Trade Union representative).
3 To assist when required in activities to promote and publicise apprenticeships within the council.
4 Maintain a daily record of tasks performed in the form of a diary to show personal progress.
5 To undertake such other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined by the Principal Manager (or nominated representative) in consultation with the apprentice and, if they wish with their trade union representative.
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:
- Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1XU
- 72 Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1PA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
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
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Customer care skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Pioneering and Open Approach
- Proud
- Passionate
Other requirements
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW PLEASE READ:
- Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, you will be invited to fill in the Rochdale Borough Council Application form at Rochdale Training. Please keep an eye on your emails as our recruitment team will be in touch to invite you to one of our sessions
- Apprentices who undertake a Level 3 apprenticeship are paid the NMW rate of £8.00 per hour for Apprentices as set by Government for the first 12 months, £15,434.33, and the nationally published living wage of £12.71 per hour for the remaining months of the contract, £24,521. 18-month contract
- Interview Date: Wednesday 1st July 2026
- Induction date - Monday 7th September 2026.
- Should you apply for 2 vacancies (maximum), we strongly encourage you to attend both interviews and declare this. It will not count against you, and all teams/panels will be aware
- This expression of interest is the first stage of your application
- The Authority operates a Smoke-Free Policy for all its employees and applies to any building and associated grounds within near the building, which is wholly owned, leased, or operated and occupied by Rochdale Borough Council
About this employer
Rochdale Council builds success and prosperity with our citizens and partners, whilst protecting our vulnerable people.
After this apprenticeship
Progression offered to the right candidate.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Jacob Evans
jevans@rochdaletraining.co.uk
01706 631 417
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031242.
Apply now
Closes in 20 days (Monday 8 June 2026 at 11:59pm)