Business Administrator Apprentice

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Recruiting nationally

Closes in 31 days (Saturday 11 July 2026)

Posted on 10 June 2026

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Summary

Be part of an outstanding council apprenticeship programme with a nationally recognised, Top 100 Apprentice Employer and Regionally awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year. Join us on a permanent contract, gain real experience and a recognised qualification, and progress your career within the council. 

• Wage:

  £24,796 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Starting salary £24,796, rising to £25,185 (pro rata). As a Local Living Wage employer, pay will be topped up to £25,949. Further progression is available upon appointment to a substantive role.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Normal operating is Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. As this role is contracted at 18 hours per week, the overall duration of the apprenticeship may be extended to ensure you have sufficient time to complete all training.

  18 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 3 August 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

The Business Administrator Apprentice is a key role within Cheshire
West and Chester Council’s Public Protection Service, part of the
Environment & Communities Directorate.

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience in a busy office environment, supporting large-scale
communications and high-volume work. You will develop key
administrative skills, learn how to manage priorities, and build
confidence working as part of a professional team within a public
service.

This role is essential in undertaking a variety of admin activities to
support a busy Licensing Team. The team covers a wide range of
licensing applications including taxis and private hire, alcohol and
gambling premises, street trading, and other general licensing and
registration matters. This is in addition to carrying out general
administrative duties and dealing with customer enquiries.

You will receive support from the Inclusive Employment Manager,
along with guidance from a dedicated Apprentice Programme Tutor
and work place mentor throughout your apprenticeship.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Business Administrator
Apprenticeship Standard, and subject to performance review, you
will progress into the substantive post of Licensing Process Officer.

This is a hybrid role, with time spent working in Council Hub
buildings and the option to work from home. learning, and
assessment requirements.

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, in accordance
with the Council's Flexibility Policy the job holder will undertake
such work as may be determined by the Director / Corporate
Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the
Principal Responsibilities of the job and in any location within
Cheshire West and Chester.

With appropriate support and supervision, the Apprentice will:

• Undertake licensing processing duties within legislative timescales and within customerservice standards
• Develop and maintain an expertise in an area of licensing designated to the post and to attend relevant training courses as directed to maintain individual competences
• Provision of high quality advice and support to businesses and individuals to facilitate effective service delivery and to promote a
  safe and healthy environment in accordance with service standards and the Directorate’s overall strategic direction, policies and objectives
• Assist the Senior Licensing Process Officer in the preparation of files and reports for Licensing Committee and Licensing Sub
  committee
• Assist the Senior Licensing Process Officer in the preparation of statutory returns and management information within specified
  timescales
• To monitor individual performance to ensure allocated targets are met in accordance with the Sectional priorities and advise
  management of any underperformance
• Provide operational support to any other areas of the Service, Directorate or Council as directed by the Section’s management
• Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, value and celebrate the diversity of Cheshire West and Chester’
  communities, ensuring equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the grade and individual competences

Where you'll work

This role is classed as a hybrid role, with time spent working in Council Hub buildings and the option to work from home, learning, and assessment requirements. We would expect to be able to travel to Ellesmere Port Council building on request by your line manager.

Training

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

Training provider

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

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 on employer sites or via Microsoft Teams. Delivery is to be discussed with the training provider and the hiring manager must suit operational needs.

More training information

Training will be delivered through a blend of workplace learning and formal off‑the‑job training.

Most training will take place at the apprentice’s normal place of work, with additional learning delivered by the training provider through college attendance, online learning, workshops, or Microsoft Teams.

Training will take place on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, with protected time during working hours to attend training sessions, complete learning activities, and prepare for assessments.

The exact schedule will be agreed between the apprentice, line manager, and training provider as part of the individual training plan.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Excel

Other requirements

Expectation that you will need to be in the Ellesmere Port as requested by your line manager to be discussed at interview. 

This is a hybrid role, with time spent working in Council Hub buildings and the option to work from home, alongside meeting learning and assessment requirements, as well as at Council offices and across the Borough as required.

About this employer

Our work spans over 3,900 colleagues across hundreds of roles, professions and services, making us one of the most diverse and complex employers in the region. We are responsible for delivering a wide range of essential public services and strategic priorities that shape the places, communities and lives of our residents every single day.

From frontline delivery to professional, technical and corporate roles, our organisation brings together expertise from across disciplines to respond to the evolving needs of our borough — supporting people, strengthening communities and driving long-term change at scale.

https://www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Permanent apprenticeships from day one. We work closely and positively with our recognised trade unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE to make sure that the views of our colleagues are heard.

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

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post
holder will progress to the substantive post of Licensing Process Officer. This Apprenticeship has a permanent contract of employment. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000036174.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Saturday 11 July 2026)

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