At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our academy, welcoming visitors and providing essential admin support.
- Company: Join Harris Academy Purley, a vibrant school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, competitive rewards, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with tailored professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent, customer service experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 £ per year.
We are looking for a Receptionist Apprentice to be the first point of contact for all visitors, staff and students at Harris Academy Purley. You will assist in the management of the reception area as well as providing administrative support to contribute to the smooth running of the academy.
Responsibilities
- Presenting the professional and welcoming face of the Academy to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers.
- Ensuring all visitors are signed in to the academy in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
- Responding to queries from parents/carers and the general public with exemplary professionalism, ensuring that any messages or complaints are immediately dealt with, forwarded to the appropriate member of staff or escalated as required.
- Ensuring the overall appearance of the reception area is tidy, professional and presentable at all times.
- General administrative duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, collation and distribution of post.
- Contributing to the maintenance of academy information databases and filing systems relating to pupils, ensuring confidentiality is observed at all times and records are accurate and up to date.
- Assisting academy staff in all aspects of academy life, including contacting parents and pupils where necessary.
- Providing general support as required, including preparation of documentation, and administrative duties relating to specific areas such as academy calendar maintenance, extra-curricular activities, school trips, school meal arrangements.
Desired Qualifications
- Qualifications to GCSE level or equivalent.
- Competency in the use of Microsoft Office packages.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and databases.
- Previous experience in an administrative or front office/reception role.
- Demonstrable customer service experience.
- Good level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a good standard of written and spoken English.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Commitment to delivering excellent level of professional customer service.
- Ability to remain calm and deal with challenging callers or visitors in an appropriate manner.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
At Harris Academy Purley, you will join a dedicated team of teachers and staff supporting our excellent students. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow, inspire and develop, this may be the role for you. Working at Harris Academy Purley, you will make a real difference to the lives of young people and their families in South London who value the learning and school environment we offer.
Our school is oversubscribed; we have families, from a number of boroughs, who choose us for the high standard of education we provide, and staff come from across London as well as Sussex and Surrey to work with us. You will be given ample opportunities to develop and progress your career, and all staff are encouraged to develop their interests and areas of expertise. Our professional development is tailored to ensure all staff are able to continue learning regardless of their role or stage of career. Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
Benefits
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Receptionist Apprentice in City of Westminster employer: Harris Federation
Harris Academy Purley is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. As a Receptionist Apprentice, you will play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for students and families in South London, with ample opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package that includes performance bonuses and a wellbeing cash plan. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and be part of a dedicated team committed to educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist Apprentice in City of Westminster
✨Get to Know Your Local Businesses
For an apprenticeship in customer support, don’t hesitate to pop into local shops or businesses. They might not have job postings up, but often they’re looking for eager apprentices who can learn on the job. Approach them with confidence and express your interest.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities focused on customer support. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups are goldmines for advice and networking. You never know who might be looking for an apprentice or have insider tips about openings at places like Harris Federation.
✨Tap Into Your School’s Resources
Make sure to use your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for apprentices, which can give you a head start. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills to shine during those crucial moments.
✨Show Your Passion Online
Create a simple portfolio showcasing any relevant experience, even if it's just customer service experience from part-time gigs. Share it on platforms like LinkedIn to make yourself more visible to employers like Harris Federation. It’s all about getting your name out there and showing you’re keen to learn!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist Apprentice in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your communication skills!:In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. When writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience where you've had to support or assist others, whether that's in a job, volunteering, or even in school projects. We want to see how you express yourself and ensure that your enthusiasm comes through!
Tailor your CV to the support role:Your CV should reflect skills that are essential for customer support, like patience, problem-solving, and empathy. Highlight any instances where you've handled difficult situations or resolved conflicts, even if they're not from a formal job. This is your chance to prove that you have the right mindset for an apprenticeship with us at Harris Federation.
Include relevant coursework or certifications:If you've taken any courses related to customer service or communications, shout about them! This could be anything from online courses to workshops. Certifications show us you're serious about getting into the field and help us see your commitment to learning more in your apprenticeship.
Express your willingness to learn:Since this is an apprenticeship, showing that you’re eager to learn and grow is really important. In your cover letter, share specific reasons why you want to join Harris Federation and how you're looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in customer support. We love candidates who are enthusiastic and ready to dive into the learning process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Mastering Communication Skills
As a customer support apprentice, showcasing your verbal and written communication skills is essential. Think about past experiences where you've had to resolve issues or clarify misunderstandings – be ready to discuss these during your interview. Remember, it's all about demonstrating your ability to empathise with customers and provide effective solutions.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Get familiar with the products or services offered by Harris Federation. Being knowledgeable about what they sell not only shows your interest but also helps you answer possible technical questions about how you’d assist customers. Prepare to discuss how you would approach learning about new products and your strategy for staying updated.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect interviewers to throw some real-life scenarios at you. Prepare for questions about how to handle difficult customers or complaints. They want to see how well you can think on your feet and apply your customer service skills in challenging situations. Try role-playing with a friend to feel more prepared!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since you’re applying for an apprenticeship, the hiring team at Harris Federation will be looking for your motivation to learn and grow. Be ready to express your eagerness to absorb knowledge from seasoned professionals and how you plan to contribute to the team's success. Show them that you're not just looking for a job, but a pathway to build your skills!
