Business Administration Apprenticeship

Pursuing a Business Administration qualification within the Commercial Service Team, based at our Operational & Development Centre in Oldbury, presents an excellent opportunity to develop a high-quality customer service. If you have a genuine interest in supporting others, we would be delighted to hear from you.

What you'll do at work

• Respond to staff enquiries from our Trades personnel, over the phone, in person, or via email, in a timely manner
• Utilise effective diary management skills to co-ordinate and schedule post work inspections for trades colleagues
• Record accurate financial details on our IT systems to maintain customer/stakeholder/contractor information and produce reports and raise purchase requisitions
• Conduct a comprehensive data cleanse to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability across all reporting systems, including accurate entry of financial data
• Remain calm and professional whilst displaying an empathetic attitude as you are dealing with a diverse range of customers
• Work with team members to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction
• Effectively communicate with departments and colleagues, from all sources either by phone, email, or via request
• Be accountable for the quality of your work and take responsibility for maintaining and improving your knowledge and skills
• To comply with policies of Sandwell MBC including: Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection and Equality and Diversity

Where you'll work

Operations & Development Centre
Direct 2 Industrial Park
Roway Lane
Oldbury
B69 3ES

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.