Apprentice Business Administrator Level 3
South Downs National Park Authority
West Sussex (GU29 9DH)
Closes in 2 days (Sunday 15 February 2026)
Posted on 19 January 2026
Contents
Summary
This year, South Downs National Park Authority is offering one Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship. The appointed candidate will be given the opportunity to understand more about the importance of the work in supporting front line staff in caring for the landscape, wildlife and environment.
- Wage
-
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm, although start and finishing times can be flexible.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Friday 27 March 2026
- 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
You may think that the park is all about working outside in ranger roles, but the importance of these supporting roles cannot be overlooked. The rangers interact directly with the public in the park – they guide walks, give talks and generally ensure the park is a good place to visit; but from our head office in Midhurst the support teams make sure the public know what we do, develop sustainable tourism across the park, make sure we pay our bills, pay our staff, plan future work programmes etc. It’s a real team effort – and a good training ground for anyone interested in nature and the environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the delivery of an excellent and responsive customer service
- Assist in the delivery of administrative support across the organisation to include generic and specialist support to ensure the needs of the organisation are met
- Assist in identifying issues and implementing solutions through the creation, maintenance and continuous improvement of processes and procedures
- Other duties requested by the SDNPA in line with the grading of this post
Business Administrator – The course provider for this apprenticeship is Chichester College. The course delivery will be held in house, which means no classroom attendance will be required. Your work placements will be based primarily in Midhurst within the support services, HR, and other teams across the organisation. These placements will give you a broad overview and valuable experience of our work throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.
Where you'll work
South Downs Centre
North Street
Midhurst
West Sussex
GU29 9DH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
After this apprenticeship
We hope that appointed candidates will be able to gain enjoyment from working within this unique environment.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009451.
Apply now
Closes in 2 days (Sunday 15 February 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.