Retail Business Apprentice
OAKLEY CARPETS LTD
BASINGSTOKE (RG23 7HA)
Closes on Friday 28 November 2025
Posted on 26 September 2025
Contents
Summary
Oakley Carpets is looking for a reliable and enthusiastic person to assist with the day-to-day running of the business, both office-based and customer-facing. The successful applicant will become part of a thriving business with over 35 years of experience providing high-quality services in furniture and flooring to the Basingstoke public.
- Wage
-
£17,680 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday: 8.30 – 5.00, except Wednesdays (8.30 – 1 pm)
1 in 4 Saturdays: 10am – 3pm.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 1 December 2025
- 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
- Dealing with customers: face to face, digitally and via telephone
- Managing incoming and outgoing deliveries
- Managing payments and invoices via Intuit Quickbooks
- Carrying out on-site visits for the preparation of flooring quotes
- Dealing with visiting company representatives and preparing orders
- Scheduling of flooring installations and deliveries
- Managing the showroom and displays
- Preparing and distributing marketing material (including social media content)
Any other business administration duties as deemed necessary by the company directors.
Where you'll work
OAKLEY RAILWAY STATION
ANDOVER ROAD
OAKLEY
BASINGSTOKE
RG23 7HA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
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 will have monthly meetings with their business trainer where they will be assessed through both practical training and assessment at work.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 (C) or above)
- maths (grade 4 (C) or above)
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Number skills
- Initiative
- Polite and confident
- Time management
- Willingness to learn
Other requirements
Full, clean driving licence is desirable.
About this employer
Oakley Carpets were founded in 1982 as a fitted carpet specialist by the still current owners Bob & Veronica Evans.
After this apprenticeship
This apprenticeship can lead to further career opportunities such as management or senior support roles.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Business@bcot.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000343474.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 28 November 2025
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