Business Admin Apprenticeship
On Course South West.
Plymouth (PL4 6LF)
Closes on Tuesday 23 September 2025
Posted on 11 August 2025
Contents
Summary
This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in office and administrative tasks, helping you develop essential skills such as communication, organisation, and IT proficiency. You’ll gain real-world knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals, setting you up for future success.
- Wage
-
£11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
30 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 13 October 2025
- Duration
-
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
- Organise and maintain both electronic and paper filing systems to ensure all documents are easy to locate
- Manage incoming telephone calls, emails, and correspondence, responding when appropriate or forwarding to the right person
- Schedule meetings, manage diaries, and arrange travel and accommodation for team members or visitors
- Prepare and produce routine documents such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Office or similar software
- Assist with data entry and updating customer or client records accurately in company databases
- Support the team with processing invoices, purchase orders, and expense claims following company procedures
- Help coordinate and support company events, meetings, or training sessions by booking venues and preparing materials
- Liaise with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure smooth communication and efficient workflow
- Maintain office supplies and equipment, placing orders and keeping stock levels under review
- Follow health and safety procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe and organised work environment
Where you'll work
On Course South West
Hyde Park House
Mutley Plain
Plymouth
PL4 6LF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
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 apprentice’s training will take place both at work and through college days with ON Course South West. Most of the practical training and day-to-day learning will happen in the workplace, allowing the apprentice to gain valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, there will be regular college sessions held at ON Course South West, where the apprentice will develop their knowledge and complete coursework in a classroom environment.
Training will typically occur on a set day at OCSW, with the remainder of the time spent working and applying skills on the job. This combination ensures a balanced approach to learning, blending practical work-based training with formal study.
The college sessions take place at:
ON Course South West, Coburg House, Mayflower Street, Plymouth, PL1 1QX.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4-9 (A*-C))
- Math (grade 4-9 (A*-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
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
About this employer
ON Course South West is a well-established training provider dedicated to delivering high-quality apprenticeships and vocational training across the South West region. We specialise in supporting individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers, working closely with employers to provide tailored training solutions. Our experienced team is committed to guiding apprentices throughout their learning journey, combining practical workplace experience with structured college-based study. We pride ourselves on offering excellent support to both apprentices and employers, ensuring positive outcomes and long-term career progression.
After this apprenticeship
After successfully completing the Business Administration Apprenticeship, apprentices will have developed a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that can open up various career opportunities. If there is a suitable role available within the business, we are happy to support the apprentice in applying for a permanent position.
Alternatively, we are also committed to helping apprentices explore other career options and will provide support with job applications and interviews to help them secure a role that matches their skills and interests.
Career progression routes could include roles such as Administrative Officer, Office Manager, Personal Assistant, or further study to specialise in areas like Human Resources, Marketing, or Business Management.
This apprenticeship serves as an excellent stepping stone for anyone looking to build a successful career in business administration and related fields.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Tim Scott-Lloyd
tim.scott-lloyd@plymouth.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000335880.
Apply now
Closes on Tuesday 23 September 2025
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