Apprentice Office Administration Assistant

Zarafa Carter Cradle Maintenance

Basildon (SS14 3EQ)

Closes in 6 days (Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 24 August 2026

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Summary

We are recruiting an Administration Apprentice to join our Basildon office. This is a good opportunity to build practical administrative skills while supporting a busy engineering and maintenance business, working as part of the office team and assisting colleagues, engineers, customers, and suppliers with routine administrative tasks. 

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Administration assistant (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:30

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 8 September 2026

Duration

1 year

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

Main duties and responsibilities

The role will include the following duties, which are aligned to the Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship standard and the day-to-day needs of the business:

Office administration

  • Answer telephone calls and respond to emails in a professional way
  • Prepare, update, and file documents, reports, and correspondence
  • Maintain electronic and paper filing systems so records are accurate and easy to find
  • Support general office tasks and help the team meet agreed timescales

Data, records and digital systems

  • Enter, check, and update information using company systems and spreadsheets
  • Collate, extract, and maintain routine business data accurately
  • Keep the extra work spreadsheet up to date
  • Handle information securely and follow company procedures

Engineering and works support

  • Liaise with engineers to collect information on work completed each day
  • Check that report sheets and service documents have been completed correctly
  • Prepare quotations for callouts, repairs, and client training
  • Support the customer portal and permit system administration

Parts, equipment and compliance administration

  • Source parts for repair quotations and support supplier communication
  • Prepare parts and equipment ready for engineers and planned works
  • Check parts, equipment, and hire equipment in and out of the business
  • Monitor calibration dates and help keep compliance records up to date
  • Process deliveries and file delivery notes

Communication and stakeholder support

  • Communicate clearly with colleagues, engineers, customers, contractors, and suppliers
  • Support colleagues with routine duties and respond to feedback from supervisors
  • Represent the business professionally when dealing with internal and external contacts

Where you'll work

Carter Cradle Maintenance,
Unit 4Wickham Business Park, Honywood Road
Basildon
SS14 3EQ

Training

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

Training provider

LINDEN MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED

Training course

Administration assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Receive, retrieve, process, record and store information and data.
  • Operate within organisational policies, standards and procedures and relevant legislation respecting confidentiality; adapting to operational changes as they occur.
  • Use software packages and tools for example AI or automation to input and process data and information, to contribute to routine administration tasks in line with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Handle and communicate information in line with organisational policies, procedures and security requirements.
  • Recognise and rectify issues and escalate as required. For example stakeholder documents and reports, safeguarding concerns or abusive behaviour.
  • Plan and review administration tasks allocated by supervisor.
  • Maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
  • Monitor and report on the use of resources such as materials, equipment and supplies.
  • Use agreed organisational systems and protocols to manage calendars, diaries and booking systems.
  • Source information as requested by stakeholders, ensuring they are shareable. As examples client records, signpost to services or reports.
  • Use continuing professional development including self-reflection to support current and future training and development needs.
  • Use communication tools to respond to stakeholders using professional language and organisational etiquette.
  • Operate within agreed health and safety standards.
  • Use time management tools to meet deadlines.
  • Handle feedback following expected professional etiquette.
  • Maintain wellbeing, accessing organisational support mechanisms if required.
  • Review and check own work.
  • Use cloud services to share documents for use and or collaboration.
  • Protect against security threats for example, strong passwords, two step verification, office tailgating and display of security passes or clothing that identifies secure workplaces.
  • Seek clarification and help, when required, to complete assigned tasks within agreed timeframes.
  • Receive, retrieve, process, record and store information and data.
  • Operate within organisational policies, standards and procedures and relevant legislation respecting confidentiality; adapting to operational changes as they occur.
  • Use software packages and tools for example AI or automation to input and process data and information, to contribute to routine administration tasks in line with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Handle and communicate information in line with organisational policies, procedures and security requirements.
  • Recognise and rectify issues and escalate as required. For example stakeholder documents and reports, safeguarding concerns or abusive behaviour.
  • Plan and review administration tasks allocated by supervisor.
  • Maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
  • Monitor and report on the use of resources such as materials, equipment and supplies.
  • Use agreed organisational systems and protocols to manage calendars, diaries and booking systems.
  • Source information as requested by stakeholders, ensuring they are shareable. As examples client records, signpost to services or reports.
  • Use continuing professional development including self-reflection to support current and future training and development needs.
  • Use communication tools to respond to stakeholders using professional language and organisational etiquette.
  • Operate within agreed health and safety standards.
  • Use time management tools to meet deadlines.
  • Handle feedback following expected professional etiquette.
  • Maintain wellbeing, accessing organisational support mechanisms if required.
  • Review and check own work.
  • Use cloud services to share documents for use and or collaboration.
  • Protect against security threats for example, strong passwords, two step verification, office tailgating and display of security passes or clothing that identifies secure workplaces.
  • Seek clarification and help, when required, to complete assigned tasks within agreed timeframes.

Training schedule

Your training will take place with our approved Training Provider, Linden, who will guide you through your apprenticeship, alongside our Office Supervisor.

The training will take place at work.

Requirements

Desirable 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
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working

Other requirements

What we are looking for

  • Good communication skills and a polite telephone manner
  • Good organisation skills and willingness to learn
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately
  • Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office or similar systems
  • A reliable, professional, and positive approach
  • Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions

Entry requirements

  • No previous office experience is required
  • Applicants should be eligible to undertake an apprenticeship in England and be committed to completing the training

About this employer

We have been providing specialist engineering maintenance services for over 20 years. With purpose-built facilities in Manchester, London and Grantham, we offer a truly nationwide service. Our focus on cradle systems has enabled us to build a portfolio of several hundred customers who rely on our engineers to ensure their equipment operates safely and efficiently. Please view our website.

https://www.zarafagroup.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent administration role for the right candidate, with opportunities to progress into office support, service coordination or wider business administration roles.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LINDEN MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000047895.

Apply now

Closes in 6 days (Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 11:59pm)