Office Administrator Apprentice

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a keen interest in local government and looking to build strong foundational skills and knowledge in business admin. You will experience a wide range of business administration and office management activities, whilst working as a member of the Central Services Team at Taunton Town Council.

Wage: £14,526.20 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Tuesday 22 April
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 Responsibilities:

Serve as the initial point of contact for customers in person, by mail, email or telephone
Provide confidential and reliable administrative support to the Town Council
Handle incoming and outgoing mail efficiently
Prepare purchase orders and supplier setup requests
Handle and manage the booking system for parking, meeting rooms, and desks
Maintain records, filing systems, and computer files
Photocopying and scanning
Writing and dispatching routine and straightforward letters
Attend training as required to develop the role

General and Personal Duties:

Greet and deal with visitors to the Council office where required
Ensure compliance with Data Protection and GDPR regulations
Prioritise health and safety, reporting any concerns promptly
Treat all individuals with equality and respect

Where you’ll work

THE DEANE HOUSE
BELVEDERE ROAD
TAUNTON
TA1 1HE

Training

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

College or training organisation

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Equal to A level

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

Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

Delivery of this apprenticeship from Bridgwater & Taunton College will take a blended approach of face-to-face classes at the Bridgwater campus and online sessions
If travel is an issue, there is the ability to attend all online classes

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Team working
Reliable
Punctual

Other requirements

Some knowledge of local government law, procedures, functions, and structures would be desirable but is not essential.

About this company

Taunton Town Council covers the previously unparished area of Taunton and parts of neighbouring parishes which were considered under a Community Governance Review. The Town Council takes in the unparished area of Taunton and the entirety of the former Comeytrowe Parish, the urban area within the former Maidenbrook Ward of Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish, and the majority of the former Staplegrove Parish.

https://www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Develop your skills and experience to take on greater responsibilities, advance into leadership roles, and explore various career paths within local government and public administration

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: