Administrative Assistant Apprentice

SHIELD ENGINEERING (SYSTON) LTD

LEICESTER (LE7 1NL)

Closes in 16 days (Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 12 August 2026

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Summary

Working under the guidance of the Purchasing Manager, the role will provide the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop an understanding of all purchasing areas. The position will involve supporting Purchasing Manager with day-to-day procurement activities, stock control, supplier communication and logistics.

Wage

£16,224 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Annual leave 28 per year including bank holidays

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday 6.00am to 4.15pm. Hours to be agreed and confirmed

39 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 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

  • Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records, including purchase orders, supplier details, pricing and delivery information
  • Assist with monitoring stock level
  • Support UK and international logistics activities, including arranging and monitoring deliveries
  • Liaise with supplier
  • Ensure purchasing activities are carried out in accordance with company procedure
  • Enter and maintain purchasing and stock information on company systems accurately

Where you'll work

365 FOSSE WAY
SYSTON
LEICESTER
LE7 1NL

Training

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

Training provider

LEICESTER 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

  • Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • You will attend college, one day every two weeks at the Freemens Park Campus

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Grade c or Level 4)
  • maths (grade Grade c or Level 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
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Reliability
  • Consistency

Other requirements

The ideal apprentice, must have a willingness to develop in a fast moving workplace and must know the basics of Word, Excel, Outlook and have the ability to download data and transfer accordingly.

Candidants may be required to complete an inital English assessment as part of the application process, which will be emailed following the submission of the application form.

About this employer

The opportunity to join one of the largest privately owned Engineering Groups in the Midlands. Anyone wishing to progress in a Manufacturing environment will be given a development plan with regular reviews and incentives to add value to themself as well as The Shield Group.

https://www.shield-group.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Pension

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

There will be a good grounding in business strategy and then the possibility to become a future purchasing manager in the future.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LEICESTER COLLEGE

Nicky Jones

nijones@leicestercollege.ac.uk

07500916875

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000047637.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm)