Business Administration Apprentice
SMS Coaching- SMS Central
Manchester (M16 9NH)
Closes in 29 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 2 October 2026
Contents
Summary
An opportunity to begin a career in business administration. You will provide day-to-day administrative support to the school team, communicate with parents, professionals and visitors, and help keep school processes organised. You will gain practical experience across administration, customer service, attendance, events and communications.
- Wage
-
£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, term time only.
8:30am - 4:30pm, with a 20-minute paid lunch.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 9 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
- Provide general administrative support to the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and wider school team.
- Record and maintain accurate daily staff and student attendance information.
- Use school management and administrative systems, including SIMS, as required.
- Support transport bookings and liaise with transport providers.
- Provide professional customer service within the school office.
- Respond to telephone calls, emails, visitors and routine enquiries, directing them appropriately.
- Support communications with parents, schools and other professionals.
- Assist with admissions administration and maintain accurate records.
- Support examination administration under the direction of the Exams Officer.
- Prepare letters, reports, documents and other high-quality administrative materials.
- Assist with diary management, appointments and confidential correspondence.
- Take minutes at meetings when required and support meeting arrangements.
- Help organise school events, awards and presentation evenings.
- Proofread school documents and support production of the school newsletter.
- Order stationery and resources and help maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Respond to or appropriately direct enquiries received through social media.
- Support the SEN team with administration, including preparation of documents for meetings such as EHCP reviews and PEPs.
- Maintain confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding standards at all times.
- Carry out other reasonable administrative duties appropriate to the role and apprenticeship.
Where you'll work
67 Ayres Road
Manchester
M16 9NH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION 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
The successful candidate will work towards the Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard with Rochdale Training. Training will be delivered through work-based learning, with support from an experienced tutor and opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the role.
Training will be delivered in the workplace in partnership with Rochdale Training.
Requirements
Essential 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
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems
- Good organisation and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
- Professional customer service skills
- Ability to handle information accurately and confidentially
- Willingness to learn new systems and processes
- Confident, reliable and professional
- Friendly and approachable
- Organised and proactive
- Trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Patient and respectful when communicating with young people, families and professionals
About this employer
SMS Coaching Changing Lives School is an independent special school supporting young people aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. The Old Trafford site, SMS Central, provides specialist education in a nurturing environment, combining core academic subjects with a wide range of vocational and enrichment opportunities. The role offers the chance to develop valuable business administration skills while supporting the day-to-day organisation of a busy specialist education setting.
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 an opportunity for permanent employment and further progression within administration or education support roles, subject to business needs and performance.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Adam Bhatti
abhatti@rochdaletraining.co.uk
01706 631 417
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000056821.
Apply now
Closes in 29 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)