At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teams, manage tasks, and coordinate projects at a leading engineering site.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive team at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
- Benefits: Fully funded qualification, 28 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development await you.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and real-world projects.
- Qualifications: 2 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English.
Our 2-year Administration Apprenticeship is a great way to start building your career in business administration. Based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you'll learn how to manage tasks, coordinate projects and support teams that help keep one of the UK's most complex engineering sites running smoothly.
About the programme
Every day brings new experiences and opportunities to grow. You might be supporting meetings, managing documents, greeting visitors, ordering stationery, arranging travel, updating systems, answering the company switchboard or covering the reception desk for one of our busy buildings. You'll also spend time attending workshops at City College Plymouth, working on your qualification and taking part in review sessions to track your progress. You'll complete three shorter placements in your first year, each lasting around four months, giving you the chance to explore different parts of the business and understand how various teams operate. In your second year, you'll move into a longer placement, focusing on a specific area where you'll develop deeper skills and confidence in everything from coordinating meetings and managing documentation to handling enquiries, maintaining records and providing day-to-day support to your team. Alongside your main responsibilities, you'll take part in projects designed to boost your teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. Past apprentices have organised charity fundraisers, created games for careers fairs, and helped develop new ways to attract future apprentices. It's a friendly, supportive environment where you'll learn from experienced colleagues and quickly feel part of the team.
Your education/training
As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard through City College Plymouth. Training is delivered through regular workshops and guided learning sessions that will help you apply your skills to real work situations. You'll also attend sessions focused on personal and professional development – from building confidence and communication to managing time and setting goals. Your qualification will combine coursework, practical experience and an End Point Assessment to demonstrate your progress.
Future prospects
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you'll move into a permanent role as an Administrator in the business area where you've spent your final year. You'll have the experience and confidence to take on new responsibilities, support projects, and make a real difference in how our teams operate.
Key Requirements
- 2 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English.
Your starting salary will be around £26,364, with opportunities to progress as you continue to grow. You may also choose to complete further qualifications, such as the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship or even project management training, depending on your interests and role. Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day. Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at the UK government website.
From there, your development doesn't stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you'll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
What you'll get
We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career. In addition, you’ll benefit from:
- Fully funded qualification
- Personal development training and opportunities
- Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Employee share scheme
- Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.
Your career development:
It's hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you'll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career. Plus, when you join us, you'll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face-to-face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.
Administration Apprenticeship in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and engaging environment for our Administration Apprentices at Devonport Royal Dockyard. With fully funded qualifications, personal development training, and a competitive benefits package including a pension scheme and flexible perks, we empower our apprentices to grow their careers while gaining invaluable experience in a dynamic engineering setting. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured career pathways and opportunities to participate in rewarding STEM outreach activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administration Apprenticeship in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Devonport Royal Dockyard and understand their values, projects, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions related to administration tasks and teamwork. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing this apprenticeship. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Administration Apprenticeship in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Administration Apprenticeship. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know what makes you unique!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t worked in administration before, think about any relevant experiences you’ve had. Whether it’s school projects, volunteering, or part-time jobs, we love to see how you’ve developed skills that will help you in this role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your main points stand out. This will help us get a good sense of who you are quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Administration Apprenticeship. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing documents, coordinating projects, and supporting teams. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to take on these challenges.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've organised events or supported projects, as these are crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on projects. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about the company culture.
✨Be Yourself
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to relax and be yourself. The company values a friendly and supportive environment, so let your personality shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and help you connect with your interviewers.
