Operational Support Apprentice

Aalco Metals

Southampton (SO18 2RT)

Closes in 17 days (Monday 20 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 2 October 2025

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Summary

At Aalco, we’re looking for a motivated and reliable Operational Support Team Member to join our friendly and hardworking team. You’ll play a vital role in keeping our business moving - making sure deliveries go out on time, systems stay accurate, and our customers get the great service we’re known for.

• Wage:

  £15,000 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  We also offer a profit share scheme, pension, death in service and discount voucher scheme.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm, with a one hour lunch

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 3 November 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

No two days are the same, but here’s a taste of what you’ll get involved with:

• Keeping on top of the paperwork and systems that keep our stock moving in and out smoothly
• Helping solve stock mysteries - investigating and fixing any differences between records and what’s in the warehouse.
• Welcoming visitors, customers, and suppliers with a smile and professional service
• Pitching in with the wider team - whether that’s covering during busy times or helping colleagues hit deadlines
• Making sure the office is well-organised, tidy, and stocked with everything we need

Where you'll work

Unit 2
Airways Distribution Park, Wide Lane
Southampton
SO18 2RT

Training

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

Training provider

HIT TRAINING LTD

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

Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

The apprenticeship includes regular training with the training organisation consisting of virtual group and 1:1 training

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade C/4)
• Maths (grade C/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
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working

Other requirements

This role will include working across functions supporting sales and warehouse team

About this employer

We are the leading non-ferrous metals supplier in the UK, supplying aluminium, stainless steel, copper and brass to engineering and fabrication based companies. Our extensive inventory includes aluminium, stainless steel, copper, brass and bronze in all semi-finished forms, covering a wide range of grades/alloys, shapes and sizes - both industry standard and special or bespoke items for particular application or individual customers needs. We have 18 service centres around the country, which offer a reliable and on time delivery service anytime in the UK. Each centre holds stocks to meet the immediate needs of customers in the local area and this is backed up by bulk stock at a central warehouse.

http://www.aalco.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

We have a gym on site, free parking and are close to public transport links.

After this apprenticeship

Upon completing the apprenticeship, a career route available may possibly include:

• Operational Support
• Operational Support Team
• Leader and Operational Support Manager

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Aalco Metals

Max Parker

02380 875200

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344713.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Monday 20 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

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