Business Administrator Apprentice
SHERBURN HOUSE LTD T/A PET N PONY
DURHAM (DH1 2XU)
Closes in 19 days (Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 28 August 2026
Contents
Summary
This is an entry-level opportunity for someone starting their career in business administration. Working closely with our Purchasing/Customer Service Administrator, you'll support the day-to-day running of the office, help with purchasing admin, customer service and general admin tasks, working towards a recognised Level 3 qualification.
- Wage
-
£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm (30-minute unpaid lunch break, 37.5 hours/week).
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 28 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
- Assist with purchase order administration, including data entry and supplier portal ordering under guidance
- Help process supplier invoices and support basic billing/account administration
- Support stock control activities — assisting with stock takes and helping keep stock records accurate in NetSuite
- Support with responding to routine customer enquiries via email, Shopify, and social media, under supervision
- Help handle straightforward customer returns and complaints professionally, following company procedures
- Assist with entering and updating product information in NetSuite
- Produce and maintain accurate records and documents — emails, filing, and general correspondence
- Take part in your apprenticeship training, including monthly 1:1 sessions with your trainer coach, progress reviews, and coursework
Where you'll work
UNIT 51 DRAGONVILLE INDUSTRIAL PARK
DRAGON LANE
DURHAM
DH1 2XU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EAST DURHAM 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
Training will take place 5 x days per week at the workplace, with regular visits from East Durham Colleges Business Administration Trainer Coach, to carry out reviews and set assignments.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 or above)
- Maths (grade 4 or above)
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
- Administrative skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
About this employer
As a cherished family-run business nestled in the heart of Durham City, PetnPony takes pride in offering a diverse array of premium Pet and Equestrian products. Whether you seek a cozy home for your small animal or a protective rug for your beloved horse, we are dedicated to providing you with the perfect solutions.
At PetnPony, our relentless pursuit of excellence drives us to continuously discover the finest products at the most competitive prices, ensuring exceptional value for you, our valued customers.
With a vast inventory of over 14,000 products available both online and in our expansive 10,000 sq. feet showroom, we cater to all your pet, animal, and equestrian needs, promising a shopping experience like no other.
Our passionate team comprises dedicated individuals who are not only fully trained in pet care but also share a deep commitment to the welfare of all animals. Each member of our staff is a proud pet owner themselves, ranging from hamster enthusiasts to devoted horse lovers. Whether you're a new pet owner seeking guidance or an experienced hand looking for expert advice, rest assured that we possess a wealth of knowledge to guide you on your journey.
At PetnPony, we are more than just a business; we are a compassionate community that celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals. We look forward to welcoming you to our store and assisting you in providing the best care and products for your cherished pets and equestrian companions. Together, let's embark on an extraordinary journey of love and companionship with our beloved animals.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Potential full-time employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
Adam Heslop
adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk
01915185589
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000050743.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm)