Planning Apprentice

Stroud District Council

Gloucestershire (GL5 4UB)

Closes on Sunday 12 July 2026

Posted on 4 June 2026

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Summary

To learn business skills and gain knowledge as part of a formal qualification at the same time as working to support the Council’s objectives and obligations.

• Wage:

  Competitive

  Competitive wage offered

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  16 - 20 years old - £20,933

  21+ - £24,521

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Shifts to be confirmed - sometimes outside normal office hours, including weekends.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 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

• To follow instructions and procedures in all aspects of the business unit including effective delivery of all Planning Strategy processes
• To work alongside experienced professionals learning all aspects of business administration and customer service provision
• To become part of an efficient team, providing high quality administrative support to the Planning service
• To undertake a development programme leading to a National Vocational Qualification as part of an apprenticeship and to actively participate in their own development plan to be agreed with line manager and the NVQ assessor
• To maintain confidentiality and discretion in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• To effectively use ICT in carrying out duties.
• To understand the value of working for an employer who is committed to equality of opportunity
• Responds to queries and complaints
• Adopt a proactive problem-solving approach
• Have confidence to deal with difficult situations
• Know when it is appropriate to seek guidance from line manager
• Provide constructive ideas & feedback on the Apprentice programme
• Understand Government legislation and policy

Where you'll work

Ebley Mill
Ebley Wharf
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL5 4UB

Training

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

Training provider

CIRENCESTER 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

• Cirencester College 
• Business Administration Level 3
• Whilst the majority of training will take place at the employers' premises, there will be occasional attendance required at Cirencester College

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade C / 4)
• Maths (grade C / 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
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative

Other requirements

To work with communities sometimes outside normal office hours, including weekends.

To ensure that at all times service delivery informs, reflects and supports the Council’s prevailing aims and objectives.

To work with colleagues across the organisation as required in support of organisational goals.

To promote the Council’s overall commitment to equality of opportunity/Diversity at all times and work within the requirements of the Council’s Equality Scheme.

To undertake all training and development initiatives as required.

To work within Health and Safety guidelines in accordance with the Health and Safety at work Act.

To work within the requirements of the Council’s Environmental Policy and Management System.

To undertake any appropriate duties required to meet the Council’s obligations under the Civil Contingencies Act.

To undertake all appropriate duties required to meet the Council’s safeguarding obligations according to the Children’s Act (2004), Working Together to Safeguard Children Statutory Guidance (2018), the Care Act (2014) and the Care and Support Statutory Guidance (2014), Mental Health Capacity Act (2005), and Deprivation of Liberty Standards (2007).

About this employer

Stroud District Council is the local government authority for the Stroud district in Gloucestershire, England, headquartered at Ebley Mill.

https://www.stroud.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

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

• Potential for a full time role once the apprenticeship has been completed

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CIRENCESTER COLLEGE

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships@cirencester.ac.uk

01285 626259

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035104.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 12 July 2026