Operations Apprentice
SHEPHERDS FRIENDLY SOCIETY LIMITED
CHESHIRE (SK8 1AL)
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)
Posted on 19 October 2026
Contents
Summary
The Operations Apprentice is responsible for supporting the delivery of core operational administration and governance activities across the organisation. The role ensures operational processes are completed accurately and in line with service level agreement. Its a great opportunity to work for an established financial services organisation.
- Wage
-
£14,560 to £23,132.20, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (35 hour week).
Finish at 4.00pm on a Friday.
No weekends.
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Friday 1 January 2027
- 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
- Carry out operational administration activities to support the day‑to‑day running of the business
- Assist in ensuring key operational tasks (e.g. statements, communications, administrative processes) are completed within agreed service levels
- Support the creation and distribution of bulk communications and operational mailings
- Maintain accurate records and perform data entry across operational systems
- Assist with maintaining and updating operational documentation, including policies and procedures
- Develop familiarity with company systems and processes related to policy administration
- Provide general operational support to teams across the business
Where you'll work
HAWBANK HOUSE
2 HIGH STREET
CHEADLE
CHESHIRE
SK8 1AL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY 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
The training plan will be agreed once the applicant has joined.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C or above)
- Maths (grade C or above)
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
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- time management
- accuracy
Other requirements
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Successful candidates must complete a satisfactory credit check, we cannot accept applicants with CCJ's or IVA's due to us being a financial services organisation.
Applicants may have to complete a simple interview task.
As the position is office based, candidates must live within commutable distance to the office in Cheadle village, Stockport.
About this employer
Shepherds Friendly is a modern mutual society, offering a variety of adult and children’s financial products and services such as ISAs, savings plans, life insurance and income protection. Located in south Manchester in the heart of Cheadle village, the Society has been providing financial security to members for almost 200 years.
Guided by our values of working together, doing the right thing, and making a difference, we are committed to delivering a service which helps our members plan their finances and secure their family’s future. In a world of financial complexity, we believe in the power of simplicity.
https://www.shepherdsfriendly.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Company Pension Scheme – 8% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Access to wellbeing support services through Nuffield Health and Health Assured including access to 24/7 online GP, mental health support, free eye tests/flu vaccinations.
- Company benefits including life insurance, healthcare cash plan, four paid well-being days, and various social and charitable events
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
There are different career paths available within the Operations Team and the business as a whole.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SHEPHERDS FRIENDLY SOCIETY LIMITED
Maxine Taylor and Fran Mulcahy
peopleandculture@shepherdsfriendly.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059912.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.