Finance and Public Value Apprentice

Devon County Council

Exeter (EX2 4QD)

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 28 June 2026)

Posted on 8 June 2026


Summary

We are recruiting for Finance Apprentices to work across teams within Devon Finance Services. This is a chance to gain real workplace experience and achieve a recognised qualification, all while building the foundations of a long‑term career. Whether you're starting out or switching direction, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Wage

£25,185 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£25,185 - £25,583 per annum

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Friday, 9.00am- 5.00pm. However, these hours are flexible.

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 8 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

  • Work across different teams within our directorate to gain hands-on experience
  • Learn how the Council supports communities and manages public finances
  • Develop valuable transferable workplace skills in a professional environment
  • Work towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification

Where you'll work

Devon County Hall
Topsham Road
Exeter
EX2 4QD

Training

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

Training provider

EXETER 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

  • A level 3 qualification in Business Administration
  • One day a week will be allowed for Apprenticeship training

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade C/4 or above)

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

At Devon County Council, we work together to improve life across Devon for everyone. We want to create a place that people enjoy living in, as well as a place that you enjoy working.

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

Company benefits

Support to achieve the qualifications, a supportive and inclusive working environment, real career progression opportunities, flexible working options, pension scheme, 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Disability Confident

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 may be opportunities for further, higher level Apprenticeships in the future
  • A permanent job contract after completion of Apprenticeship may be offered

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EXETER COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035787.

Apply now

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 28 June 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.