Business Administrator Apprentice

Veolia UK

Reading (RG7 4JF)

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 15 March 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 25 February 2026

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Summary

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources and help it become a better place for everyone. Our apprenticeship scheme puts you at the forefront of Ecological Transformation, contributing towards our purpose of protecting the planet and supporting the community we work in.

• Wage:

  £19,292 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday. Working hours to be discussed and agreed.

  35 hours a week

• Start date:

  Wednesday 1 April 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

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources and help it become a better place for everyone.

Our apprenticeship scheme puts you at the forefront of Ecological Transformation, contributing towards our purpose of protecting the planet’s natural resources, while supporting the communities we work in.

We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment in small and big ways, and contribute towards our inclusive culture.

Your duties as the Business Administrator Apprentice will include: 

• Assist with general office administration tasks, including filing, data entry, and document management
• Support the payroll team with data entry and record-keeping
• Help process purchase orders and maintain supplier records
• Provide reception coverage including answering phones, greeting visitors, and managing incoming emails
• Assist with coordinating meetings, booking rooms, and preparing meeting materials
• Support the team in organising workplace events and communications
• Maintain office supplies and handle deliveries
• Learn to use key business systems and software
• Undertake note-taking and minute-taking as required
• Complete your apprenticeship standard alongside your role

We reserve the right to close applications earlier than expected if we receive an exceptionally high volume of submissions. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Please do not use AI in your application. 

Where you'll work

Padworth I W M F
Padworth Lane, Lower Padworth
Reading
RG7 4JF

Training

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

Training provider

NEWBURY 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

• During this programme, we'll help you develop your practical and behavioural skills and support you in gaining the technical and professional knowledge required for you to succeed in your career
• As well as this, you’ll also gain the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
• With many of our colleagues starting as apprentices, you’ll receive full support and guidance from everyone throughout
• By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have received industry-standard training and attained qualifications that will enable you to progress and reach your full potential

More training information

• The Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship is delivered fully in the workplace
• You will be supported throughout by a Development Coach from Newbury College so that you can confidently demonstrate the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours by the end of your Level 3 apprenticeship
• Your Development Coach will meet with you regularly either remotely or in your workplace
• Your employer will give you time in your working week to focus on your apprenticeship
• At the end of your apprenticeship you will have completed the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard and will be required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA)
• Your Development Coach will support you with preparing for your EPA

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any subject (grade 4/C or higher)
• Any subject (grade 4/C or higher)
• English (grade 4/C or higher)
• Maths (grade 4/C or higher)

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
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Google Suite
• Strong written & verbal skills
• Able to follow instructions
• Willingness to learn
• Keen to develop new skills
• Positive attitude
• Strong work ethic
• Good time management
• Strong organisational skills
• Team player
• Reliable
• Punctual

Other requirements

• Before we can progress your application to the next stage, you'll need to complete a couple of short strength-based assessments to assess your potential for success in the role against skills, behaviours, personality and motivation – all in one engaging and immersive online experience. If you're successful following this, we’ll then invite you to attend one of our virtual assessment days
• We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested
• If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know

About this employer

At Veolia, we're not just experts in waste, water and energy solutions. We're your innovation partner, dedicated to achieving a circular economy for future generations. Join us in decarbonising, depolluting and resourcing the world.

We're proud to be listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, being named as the Top 10 Very Big Organisation to work for three years in a row!

This accolade further demonstrates our commitment to our people and our actions in creating an environment where everyone can be their true selves and enjoy working at Veolia.

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

Company benefits

• 25 days leave + Bank Holidays
• Company pension
• Highstreet discounts
• One paid volunteering day a year
• Wellbeing support
• 24 hour access to a virtual GP
• Ongoing training

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

• This role could lead on to a permanent position on successful completion of the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NEWBURY COLLEGE

The Apprenticeship Team

business@newbury-college.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017620.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 15 March 2026 at 11:59pm)