Business Admin Apprentice

Plymouth City Council

Plymouth (PL1 1QX)

Closes in 20 days (Friday 6 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 16 January 2026

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Summary

As a Business Admin Apprentice at OCSW, you will provide high-quality administrative support across learner services and apprenticeship provision. With guidance and supervision, you will develop a broad understanding of business administration, learner support processes, data management, compliance requirements, and organisational procedures.

• Wage:

  £14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Actual wage is - NVQ L3 (£11.20 - £12.21 per hour)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday between 8.45am -and 5.00pm (to be confirmed at interview)

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 2 March 2026

• 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

Key responsibilities:

• Providing administrative support across the Learner Services Team and Apprenticeships, including data entry, document preparation, filing, and record management
• Supporting learner enquiries and communication with learners, employers, and stakeholders via telephone, email, and in person
• Assisting with enrolment, onboarding, and maintaining accurate learner and apprenticeship records in line with data protection requirements
• Supporting apprenticeship administration, including compliance documentation, evidence gathering, and preparation for audits and reviews
• Assisting with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking notes where required
• Maintaining electronic and manual filing systems, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and confidential
• Processing information where accuracy and attention to detail are essential
• Supporting general office and operational processes to ensure the smooth running of the service
• Contributing ideas to improve administrative systems, processes, and learner experience
• Undertaking other duties appropriate to the grade of the post

Where you'll work

On Course Southwest
Floor 1 Cobourg House Mayflower Street
Plymouth
PL1 1QX

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

Other requirements

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is:

Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.

Basic knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Google tools
Ability to work towards deadlines and as part of a team
Willingness to complete the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship

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.

 

https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

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

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008843.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Friday 6 February 2026 at 11:59pm)