Business Administration Apprentice

HEYGATES LIMITED

Northampton (NN7 3QH)

Closes on Monday 5 October 2026

Posted on 18 August 2026

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Summary

A family business which has farmed in Northamptonshire since 1562 and moved into milling in the 19th Century. They span farming, flour and feed milling and baking, with ten flour mills on four sites, a feed mill, two modern bakeries and 7500 acres of mainly arable land in England.

Wage

£16,640 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
36.25 hours 9am - 5.30 with 1.25 lunch and rota for early starts (1 in 3, 8am - 5.30pm) and Saturday cover (9am - 12pm) which is overtime at time + half

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 19 October 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

Key Duties:

  • Answer the telephone
  • Process orders from customers
  • Liaise with transport, accounts and production departments where necessary to ensure that queries are answered, and customers’ requirements are met
  • Support the field sales team by channelling information and enquiries
  • Assist with the preparation of marketing material and maintenance of the company’s presence on social media
  • Scanning
  • Answering the telephone to suppliers
  • Sending and receiving emails
  • Provide holiday cover for other administrative roles
  • Any additional office administration duties required

Person Specification:

  • GCSES maths and English 4/C or above
  • Attention to detail
  • Willingness to learn
  • Good communication skills
  • Adaptable
  • UK driving licence or lives in the local area

This role will be supported by the Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship standards delivered by Starting Off.

Where you'll work

Bugbrooke Mills
Bugbrooke
Northampton
NN7 3QH

Training

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

Training provider

STARTING OFF LIMITED

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

  • Level 3 Business Administration
  • Remote training delivery
  • One file
  • VLE
  • 6-hours of dedicated training time every week

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/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

About this employer

A family business which has farmed in Northamptonshire since 1562 and moved into milling in the 19th Century. They span farming, flour and feed milling and baking, with ten flour mills on four sites, a feed mill, two modern bakeries and 7500 acres of mainly arable land in England.

They are now looking for a Business Administration Apprentice to join their sales order processing office.

Company benefits

24 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.

After this apprenticeship

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

Possible full-time permanent position upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

STARTING OFF LIMITED

Lucy Harris

lucy.harris@startingoff.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000046503.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 5 October 2026