Start your career with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service as a Business Administration Apprentice

Working across a range of departments, you'll gain valuable experience, develop new skills and build professional networks. We're looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals ready to learn, grow and make a difference.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Provide administrative support across a range of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service departments.
• Complete a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship qualification with Warrington and Vale Royal College.
• Gain experience through placements in different Service departments, typically rotating every three months.
• Support day-to-day business activities, projects and administrative tasks within different teams.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues across the organisation and learn how teams work together to support the communities of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
• Develop skills in communication, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving within a professional working environment.
• Attend college one day per week for a 12-week period from January 2027 as part of the apprenticeship programme.
• Complete apprenticeship coursework, reviews and off-the-job training during dedicated work time.
• Receive guidance, coaching and support from experienced colleagues throughout the apprenticeship.
• Adapt to different teams, priorities and ways of working, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn.
• Take part in additional development opportunities to support personal and professional growth.
• Be responsible for travel to and from college, with expenses covered by the Service.

Where you'll work

Headquarters
Sadler Road
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 2FQ

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

Training provider
WARRINGTON & VALE ROYAL COLLEGE

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.