Apprentice Business Administrator

Summary

As an Apprentice Business Administrator, you will support daily office operations. You’ll work with experienced colleagues, gaining skills in administration and customer support in a fast-paced environment. This is a great opportunity for someone organised, computer literate, and eager to learn about the timber and building materials industry.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, working hours TBC

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

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 Responsibilities:

Accurate data entry into company systems and databases
Working with different timber systems and stock processes
Managing and maintaining files and records in line with company procedures
Providing general office support, including answering phones, emails, and supporting internal teams
Assisting with administrative tasks linked to logistics, sales, and production

Where you'll work

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

Wyke Street, Hedon Road, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU9 1PA
Hawthorn Timber Ltd, Church Street, Hull, HU9 1DN

Training

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

College or training organisation

HULL COLLEGE

Your 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.

Your training plan

What You’ll Gain:

A nationally recognised Level 3 Business Administrator qualification
Practical experience in a respected and established business
Support from experienced mentors and industry professionals

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 or above)
Maths (grade 4 or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Computer skills
Strong attention to detail
Interpersonal skills
Willingness to learn
Team player
Proactive & positive attitude

About this company

From our headquarters near the port of Hull, we have excellent access to sustainable timber imports from Europe and wider international markets. And with more than 80,000sqm of storage space available, we can quickly process and distribute high-quality timber, softwood-based products and panel products anywhere in the UK & Ireland.

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

After this apprenticeship

High-performing individuals may have the chance to advance into a Production Planning role, supporting operations, logistics, and workflow coordination within the timber industry; as well as other opportunities across the business.

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