Apprentice Business Administrator
British Ceramics Biennial
STOKE-ON-TRENT (ST4 2DE)
Closes in 22 days (Monday 12 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 September 2026
Contents
Summary
To provide essential administrative and organisational support to ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the office, supporting a business operating within the arts sector.
- Wage
-
£12,480 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Minimum apprentice wage, followed by the minimum wage for your age group
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm.
30 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 2 November 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
General administration support:
- Answering and responding to general enquiry telephone calls and emails
- Filing and organising finance and other records
- Updating digital and paper records
- Researching and booking team travel, event tickets and accommodation
- Arranging and preparing meeting rooms
- Greeting visitors and accompanying them to meeting rooms
- Arranging visitor access passes
- Scheduling team meetings, managing diaries and co-ordinating team calendars
- Monitoring and ordering office equipment
- Preparing documents, reports, presentations and correspondence
- Updating the CRM system
- Supporting administration of RSVP processes
Financial administration support:
- Processing debit card expenditure to support bank reconciliation process
- Liaising with team to identify invoices/receipts to support bank reconciliation process
- Using Hubdoc system to process invoices in response to manager approvals
Equipment support:
- Maintaining equipment storage system and sign out/sign in sheet
- Maintaining software updates and charging of electronic equipment
Archive and exhibition support:
- Collating and filing paper records in the BCB Archive
- Supporting archive research visits
- Supporting colleagues with administration processes related to exhibition submission and selection processes
- Supporting co-ordination of group visits and tours of the British Ceramics Biennial
- Greeting groups attending events and accompanying them to the tour lead/event area
- Supporting visitor liaison/front of house responsibilities at British Ceramics Biennial
General Requirements:
- Contribute positively and work in accordance with BCB’s culture, values, aims and objectives
- Work diligently to meet the requirements of this job description
- Always seek to continuously improve so that the highest quality standards are achieved
- Participate positively in internal/external events, meetings and training as required
- Positively participate in one-to-ones and appraisals
- Ensure that relevant policies, procedures and working practices are adhered to at all times
- Act as a positive ambassador for the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB)
- Positively contribute to BCB’s team working environment, taking ownership of issues and supporting colleagues where appropriate
- Be flexible and willing to undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required
- Positively contribute to the evaluation of the impact of BCB programmes and other key business plan objectives
Where you'll work
ROOM 416 FLAXMAN BUILDING
STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE ROAD
STOKE-ON-TRENT
ST4 2DE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
STOKE ON TRENT 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
The training for this apprenticeship will be conducted in the workplace and does not require any day release to college.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C)
- Maths (grade 4 / C)
Functional Skills (If GCSEs are not at 4/C) in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Patience
- Self-motivated
- Verbal communication skills
- Written communication skills
- Time-keeping
- Achieving deadlines
- Proactive
Other requirements
- You must be confident you will pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
All British Ceramics Biennial team members must work within the spirit of and contribute to the delivery of our vision, mission and core values.
Our Mission: To develop, sustain and expand innovative ceramics practice and improve lives together with artists, industry and creative communities.
Our Values: Bold, Accountable, Welcoming, Significant, Grounded, Inclusive, Connected, Collaborative
Experience
We understand you may be at the start of your career, so we’re looking for potential, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn just as much as experience. Consider school projects, school lessons, volunteering or part-time work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential:
- GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
Assessment method: Application and certificates.
Experience
We understand that you may be at the start of your career, so we are looking for potential, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn just as much as previous experience. You can use examples from school lessons or projects, volunteering, part-time work or other activities.
Essential:
- Basic IT skills, including confidence using Outlook, email, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
- Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak to colleagues, customers and suppliers appropriately.
- Experience of working as part of a team and a willingness to support others.
Desirable:
- Experience of working towards and achieving deadlines.
Assessment methods: Application and interview.
Knowledge and skills
Essential:
- Enthusiasm for and an interest in the arts, arts organisations, museums and exhibitions.
- A proactive attitude, including being willing to ask questions, seek feedback and take ownership of your learning.
- Strong attention to detail when completing tasks.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and understanding of the work of BCB.
- The ability to analyse problems, identify possible solutions and make recommendations.
- Good time-management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
Assessment methods: Interview and assessment task.
Personal attributes
Essential:
- Effective communication skills.
- The ability to work calmly and professionally.
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.
- An understanding of the importance of equality of opportunity for everyone.
- Integrity and honesty.
- A strong connection with BCB’s core values and the ability to champion them.
Desirable:
- A proactive approach and the confidence to be a self-starter.
Assessment method: Interview.
About this employer
The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) is a leading contemporary ceramics charity based in Stoke-on-Trent – the historic heart of the UK ceramics industry.
We support artists, communities and the wider ceramic industry through year-round exhibitions, commissions, residencies, learning and community projects, culminating in the British Ceramics Biennial, a major free 6-week contemporary ceramics event.
As a registered charity, BCB champions the power of clay to inspire creativity, skills, wellbeing and regeneration. We connect local ceramic heritage with global contemporary practice, creating opportunities for artists and meaningful experiences for communities.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
A permanent role within the organisation.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000054346.
Apply now
Closes in 22 days (Monday 12 October 2026 at 11:59pm)