Apprentice Administration Assistant

Preston City Council

Lancaster (LA1 1PJ)

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 20 September 2026)

Posted on 3 September 2026

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Summary

To work as part of a team responsible for providing clerical and administrative support relating to all areas of Revenues and Benefits including operation of the document management system.

Wage

£25,949 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Revenues and welfare benefits practitioner (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements.

37 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 1 November 2026

Duration

2 years

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

  • To assist with the efficient operation of all functions associated with the document management system – scanning, indexing, storage, disposal and dispatch of documents.
  • To assist in the secure opening of post.
  • To prepare and batch all incoming Revenues and Benefits correspondence in preparation for scanning and indexing.
  • To record and return all original documents to their owners.
  • To refer any suspect documents to the Corporate Fraud Team.
  • To collect and distribute mail and dispatch documents, bills, notifications and statements etc. produced daily.
  • To assist with any other clerical duties when necessary, including creditors and postal remittances.
  • Ensure that all procedures are carried out and information given to the public is in accordance with current legislation, regulations and council policy, with particular emphasis on customer care.
  • Actively contribute towards the requirements, standards and targets laid down by the Corporate Plan and the Service Business Plan.
  • To ensure that any matters restricting the quality of service provided are reported to Senior OfficersTo ensure that information is secure at all times.
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act principles.
  • To fulfil upon request any task reasonably requested of him / her and falling within the range of his / her expertise.

Where you'll work

Town Hall
Dalton Square
Lancaster
LA1 1PJ

Training

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

Training provider

THE INSTITUTE OF REVENUES, RATING AND VALUATION

Training course

Revenues and welfare benefits practitioner (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Consistently deal with customers politely and considerately, adapting your approach to meet customer and employer needs
  • Achieve outcomes that the customer wants where possible. Where this is not possible, explain the reasons why. Evaluate and recommend alternative options
  • Obtain all required information in the most effective way to allow tasks to be completed, considering each customers individual circumstances
  • Interpret and evaluate all information to determine the relevant details for the required task
  • Interpret and evaluate information to judge whether there is potential fraud indicated. Refer to the appropriate department where required
  • Determine whether a dispute should lead to a change of decision and explain the reasons, using appropriate legislation
  • Handle sensitive information securely and in line with current legislative requirements
  • Analyse and use information and legislation to calculate amounts due when a customer first contacts your department (e.g. new claims or new accounts)
  • Analyse and use information and legislation to correctly deal with changes in customers circumstances, recalculating amounts due where required
  • Provide justification for any inferences drawn from available information
  • Decide on the best method of recovery by evaluating the customers circumstances. Act on this judgment to start recovery of amounts due
  • Use judgement to deal correctly with non-routine situations that arise
  • Adapt your communication style and method to meet the individuals needs
  • Communicate confidently by being personable, asking insightful questions and being able to negotiate effectively and respectfully
  • Undertake activities to ensure knowledge stays current
  • Take appropriate action within the limits of your authority to solve problems or make relevant colleagues aware of them
  • Make accurate decisions based on the information available
  • Support team members to achieve the best outcome for the team
  • Request assistance or authorisation when required
  • Communicate with other departments to achieve required outcomes
  • Proficiently use the systems available to achieve tasks
  • Refer to processes to determine the action to be taken
  • Evaluate the customers financial position, assisting with personal budgeting where appropriate, or directing the customer to appropriate support

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/C)

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
  • Administrative skills
  • Team working

About this employer

We are a local government employer who supports the local community.

http://www.preston.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

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

  • There is the opportunity to join the Council on a permanent contract and progress within the Revenues and Benefits service.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE INSTITUTE OF REVENUES, RATING AND VALUATION

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000051525.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 20 September 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.