Projects & Administration Assistant Apprenticeship
CHESTER DIOCESE ACADEMIES TRUST
Runcorn (WA7 4QX)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 7 September 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 24 August 2026
Contents
Summary
Start your career at the heart of a fast-growing multi-academy trust. Work alongside our Chief Executive and senior team, supporting projects, organising key activities and working with information and data. You’ll gain hands-on experience, expert support and a Level 3 Business Administration qualification.
- Wage
-
£21,479 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, typically 8.30am to 3.30pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. Weekly hours include dedicated time for apprenticeship study and development.
32 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 21 September 2026
- Duration
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1 year 3 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
Working alongside the Chief Executive, Executive Team and other central Trust colleagues, you will gain practical experience in administration, project coordination and information management.
As your skills and confidence develop, you will:
- Provide administrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive and Executive Team
- Help organise diaries, meetings, school visits and other activities
- Prepare meeting papers, presentations, correspondence and other documents
- Take notes at meetings and help keep track of actions and follow-up work
- Help coordinate Trust projects by gathering updates, maintaining simple project trackers and keeping an eye on key deadlines
- Follow up information and agreed actions with colleagues and schools
- Help maintain longer-term plans and schedules so that important dates and deadlines are not missed
- Gather, input and collate information and data using Trust systems
- Carry out routine checks to help ensure records and information are complete, accurate and up to date
- Produce simple reports, summaries and dashboards for senior colleagues
- Carry out research and gather information to support Trust projects and decision-making
- Help organise Trust meetings, conferences and other events
Where you'll work
The Heath Business & Technical Park
Runcorn
WA7 4QX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TRAIN TOGETHER LIMITED
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
Training is delivered through a combination of live online sessions, face-to-face learning and online content. You will also have regular support from the training provider and colleagues
within the Trust. During the final stage of the apprenticeship, you will prepare for an end-point assessment consisting of a multiple-choice test, a presentation and a professional discussion.
Your contracted hours include dedicated time to complete apprenticeship learning, training activities and assessment preparation.
More training information
Your training provider will be Train Together Ltd.
Further details of the course can be found here: https://traintogetherltd.co.uk/level-3-business-administrator-standard
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 5)
- Maths (grade 5)
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
BTEC in:
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
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Understanding of number/data
- Time management
Other requirements
The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which will include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
About this employer
Chester Diocesan Academies Trust (CDAT) is a growing multi-academy trust supporting 32 primary schools across Cheshire and the wider region. Our schools serve a diverse range of communities, but share a commitment to providing an excellent education in which every child can flourish.
Our central team works closely with schools, providing expertise and support in areas including education and school improvement, finance, HR, estates, governance and operations. As a growing organisation, CDAT is an exciting place to work, offering opportunities to learn, develop and gain experience across a wide range of professional areas.
Above all, we are a people-focused organisation, working together to make a positive difference to our schools, their staff and the thousands of children and families they serve.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Potential opportunity to progress into a permanent role on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHESTER DIOCESE ACADEMIES TRUST
Neil Dixon
neil.dixon@cdat.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000049539.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 7 September 2026 at 11:59pm)