Apprentice in Essex

Whilst undertaking an apprenticeship within Essex County Council, you can expect to be supported from your first day. You'll be invited to attend a specific onboarding event, have access to exclusive training material via My Learning platform, enrol in the apprenticeship channel alongside colleagues on similar paths, invited to frequent gatherings, and offered peer‑to‑peer guidance. Additionally, you will have the chance to showcase your apprenticeship experience to external audiences. Apprenticeships are a valued career pathway to achieving your ambitions within Essex County Council, whilst gaining a qualification. Our Level 3 apprenticeship is an advanced apprenticeship – it is equivalent to two A Levels or T Level. These apprenticeships are a fantastic stepping‑stone into your preferred career, providing opportunity to develop in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Inputting data from source documents into the relevant recording system, checking the accuracy, verifying and correcting data.
• Responding to emails and telephone calls.
• Front‑facing customer service.
• Maintain your own diary and work pattern management.
• Photocopying / scanning.
• Sending letters and dealing with incoming post.
• Attend meetings with team colleagues and managers, either in person or by video.
• Work from home or in an office space.
• Work alongside other administrative assistants and apprentices who will train you and support you through the day‑to‑day work.
• Follow ECC policies and procedures for task completion and our expected standards of behaviours.
• Required to work onsite at Rowan House, Colchester 5 days per week to enable support, learning, and development.

Qualifications

• Educated to RQF level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
• Highly organised and reliable.
• Capable of prioritising a demanding workload and have a “can do” attitude.
• Able to take ownership of work and achieve the agreed commitments.
• Able to communicate effectively and build and establish relationships, providing a high‑quality service to customers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office / Office 365 applications and willing to learn new systems.
• Have a friendly approach and a good phone manner.
• Emotionally intelligent.
• Good teamwork skills and a commitment to collaboration.
• Experience in a working environment is helpful, but not essential.

Essential Requirements

• You will need to be 16 years of age at the start of the apprenticeship.
• You will need to have the right to work and study in England.
• You will have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the apprenticeship start date.
• You cannot have previously completed a qualification that is Level 2 or above in a field related to Customer Services or Business Administration.
• As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live, work and study in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.
• Provide GCSE certificate at the final stage of the recruitment process.
• If you have an international equivalent qualification, a NARIC Statement of Comparability must be provided; you may purchase one online as needed.

Benefits

• Healthy work‑life balance; flexible and hybrid working options.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities.
• IT equipment and home‑working equipment supplied.
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + choice to buy extra.
• Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme.
• Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards.
• Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with LifeWorks.
• Disability Confident Leader: we are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
• Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave.
• National Apprenticeship Wage for the first 12 months of your Apprenticeship. After 12 months of service, your salary will increase to the National Living Wage.