Customer Service Apprentice

West Suffolk College

Ipswich (IP8 3SU)

Closes in 23 days (Tuesday 6 January 2026)

Posted on 10 December 2025

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Summary

An excellent opportunity has arisen for someone who is seeking a career in Customer Service and/or Education. We are committed to providing an apprenticeship opportunity that will allow you to experience a wide range of skills and situations to give you the best possible start to your career.

• Wage:

  £14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  AP1 14527 Apprentice rate/Under 18 rate AP2 19240 Age 18-20 AP3 23493 Age 21 + over

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 5.00pm, Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 16 February 2026

• Duration:

  2 years

• 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

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that visitors receive a professional and efficient welcome on behalf of the College. This is to include registration and identification.
• Liaise with staff regarding appointments, interviews, car parking and other general office duties
• Deal with initial enquiries including email enquiries regarding courses
• Provide information on college facilities, courses, and events, taking enquiries and disseminating information to the relevant staff
• Operate the College telephone and radio paging system and be first point of contact for Fire and emergency systems liaising with other College staff as per college procedures
• Process incoming/outgoing deliveries including parcels and recording details in an efficient manner
• Frank outgoing mail and distribution of internal mail
• Computer input using College software systems such as Sims and Teams. Will also use Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Work flexibly as a member of the Customer Service team across Eastern Education Group to include working flexible hours and providing cover for shifts where necessary
• Ensure there is effective communication throughout the team, ensuring all team members are kept up to date with current activity
• Participate in events across the College, e.g. open events, student interviews, enrolment etc.
• Ensure publicity materials are displayed and stocks maintained for collection by enquirers
• To assist in maintaining the Course Information Sheets ensuring that only accurate information is available for enquirers either by paper or on the College website
• Undertake training as appropriate to the role of Customer Service Advisor as identified by the senior customer service lead
• Adhere to all College policies including the current data protection act and computer misuse act, treating all data as confidential
• Operate all systems and procedures to agreed pre-defined service levels

The above job description is not exhaustive, and the employee may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the general level of responsibility of the role.

As we now operate as a collective Eastern Education Group you may be from time to time required to undertake any of the requirements of your role for any of our Group organisations.

Where you'll work

One, Scrivener Drive
Ipswich
IP8 3SU

Training

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

Training provider

WEST SUFFOLK 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 learner will be studying the Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade 4-9)

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
• Logical
• Team working

Other requirements

Experience of working in a customer focused role would be advantageous.

About this employer

One Sixth Form College is the only outstanding Sixth Form College in Suffolk, offering an inclusive and fresh approach to learning. We provide an inspirational environment, dedicated to offering students first class teaching, resources and support whilst they study with us. Indeed, students' success is our priority, as demonstrated by our 'Outstanding' Ofsted grading and our ranking as one of the top 3 institutions in the Government's 2020 Performance Tables for progress in all three categories (A Level, Academic and Applied General) for colleges across the Eastern Region. One is part of Suffolk Academies Trust and we work closely with our partners for the benefit of every member of our community. 

After this apprenticeship

• There will be career progression opportunities once the apprenticeship has been completed

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000004670.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Tuesday 6 January 2026)

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