The post offers valuable experience for someone starting their career in business administration, customer service or education support, with the opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, organisation, digital administration and a strong understanding of how a large college operates.

Where you'll work

College Rd, Ashington NE63 9RG

Training

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

Training provider: CITY OF SUNDERLAND COLLEGE
Training course: Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

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 apprentice will complete the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship, combining practical, on-the-job learning within the College with structured training and support from an apprenticeship training provider. At the end of the programme, they will achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 Business Administrator qualification, which is equivalent in level to A levels.

Training will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work confidently in a professional administration and customer-service role. This is likely to include:

• Delivering high-quality customer service to students, visitors, staff, employers and other external customers.
• Communicating professionally in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Using digital systems and office software to manage information, records and administrative tasks.
• Organising meetings, events, room bookings, resources and administrative processes.
• Managing workload, priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Handling information securely and maintaining confidentiality.
• Understanding College policies, procedures, equality, diversity, safeguarding, Prevent, health and safety, and data protection requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to improve services and administrative processes.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE in: English (grade 4-9)
• Maths (grade 4-9)

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
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Friendly and Approachable
• Efficient
• Good telephone manner
• Flexible

Other requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and friendly individual who is keen to begin a career in business administration and customer service. You do not need previous office experience, but you will need a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and an interest in supporting students, staff and visitors in a busy College environment.

The successful candidate should be:

• Friendly, approachable and confident when dealing with a wide range of people.
• Committed to delivering excellent customer service and creating a positive first impression of the College.
• Organised, dependable and able to manage routine tasks carefully and efficiently.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally, both face-to-face and in writing.
• Comfortable answering