Business Administrator Apprentice - J. Barbour and Sons LTD
J.BARBOUR & SONS,LIMITED
Tyne & Wear (NE34 9PD)
Closes in 19 days (Monday 29 June 2026)
Posted on 10 June 2026
Contents
Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Raw Material Buying Apprentice to join our Supply Chain team based at our Head Office in South Shields. During this apprenticeship, the successful candidate will support the Raw Material Buying team across all aspects of the buying process within a fast-paced fashion and apparel environment.
- Wage
-
£15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 5.00pm and Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm.
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
- Raising internal and external customer orders allocating costs to the appropriate department
- Upkeep of our M3 System
- Confirming Purchase Orders as instructed by the Buyers
- Liaising with suppliers on outstanding orders and overdue orders
- Upkeep of trim sample library
- Assisting Buyers on Trim and branding developments
- Ensuring Trim/Branding developments are received on time
- Liaising with the design team on trim and branding approvals
- Maintain and develop productive working relationships with the raw material supply base.
- Build strong working relationships with all areas of the business in particular design and development, garment technology
- Working with the Chief Buyer on global forecasting documents
- Undertake any other reasonable activity, as may be required by senior management with Buying
Where you'll work
Simonside Industrial Estate
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE34 9PD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NCG
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:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 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
- Organisation skills
- Analytical skills
About this employer
he Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.
https://www.ncl-coll.ac.uk/vacancies/barbour-business-administrator-level-3/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
- Upon successful completion, there may be opportunities to progress to a Higher-Level Apprenticeship or secure Full-Time Permanent Employment
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NCG
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000036418.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Monday 29 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.