Business Administration Apprentice

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

Cheshire (CW7 2FQ)

Closes in 16 days (Friday 31 July 2026)

Posted on 14 July 2026

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Summary

Start your career with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service as a Business Administration Apprentice. Working across a range of departments, you'll gain valuable experience, develop new skills and build professional networks. We're looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals ready to learn, grow and make a difference.

• Wage:

  £25,948.96 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Cheshire Fire are a UK Living Wage (Living Wage Foundation) employer. Increases to hourly rates are advised by the Foundation at the beginning of November each year.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00 - 17.00, with flexi system in place.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 28 September 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

• Provide administrative support across a range of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service departments.
• Complete a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship qualification with Warrington and Vale Royal College.
• Gain experience through placements in different Service departments, typically rotating every three months.
• Support day-to-day business activities, projects and administrative tasks within different teams.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues across the organisation and learn how teams work together to support the communities of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
• Develop skills in communication, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving within a professional working environment.
• Attend college one day per week for a 12-week period from January 2027 as part of the apprenticeship programme.
• Complete apprenticeship coursework, reviews and off-the-job training during dedicated work time.
• Receive guidance, coaching and support from experienced colleagues throughout the apprenticeship.
• Adapt to different teams, priorities and ways of working, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn.
• Take part in additional development opportunities to support personal and professional growth.
• Be responsible for travel to and from college, with expenses covered by the Service.

Where you'll work

Headquarters
Sadler Road
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 2FQ

Training

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

Training provider

WARRINGTON & VALE ROYAL 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

Training will primarily take place in the workplace through practical, on-the-job learning. In addition, apprentices will attend a 12-week block of off-the-job training at college, one day per week, from January to March 2027. Ongoing support and development will be provided throughout the apprenticeship to help apprentices successfully achieve their qualification.

More training information

Additional training and development opportunities are available to support your personal and professional growth. We are committed to continuous learning and offer a range of development activities, projects and experiences to help you build your skills, knowledge and confidence throughout your apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• at least 2 additional GCSE's (grade C/4 or above)
• English (grade C/4 or above (or equivalent))
• Maths (grade C/4 or above (or equivalent))

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
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Flexible

Other requirements

The recruitment process includes a psychometric assessment and Assessment Centre which will take place on 17 August 2026, and includes in-tray exercise, interview and group exercise. This post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

About this employer

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is a highly professional and inclusive organisation serving the communities of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to be themselves.

Our work goes far beyond responding to fires. We respond to a wide range of emergencies including road traffic collisions, flooding, hazardous material incidents, rescues and other situations where our communities need help. We also work proactively to keep people safe through prevention, protection and community safety activities.

The Service operates 28 fire stations, community safety and fire protection offices, a specialist training centre and a joint headquarters facility in Winsford. We work closely with partners across the region to help keep our communities safe.

Our core values are to be inclusive, do the right thing, act with compassion and make a difference. These values underpin everything we do and support the National Fire Chiefs Council Core Code of Ethics.

As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience across a range of departments, develop your skills and knowledge, and contribute to an organisation that makes a real difference to local communities every day.

https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and the on-site gym.

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

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

The apprentice will be able to apply for permanent roles within the Service after Probation and 6 months' employment have passed.

The Service is committed to supporting career development and progression, with opportunities for further learning, development and advancement across a range of departments.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

Recruitment Team

recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000042355.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 31 July 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.