Business Administration Apprentice in Plymouth

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

Position: Full time / Apprenticeship (15–18 months)

Plymouth City Council is delighted to offer an opportunity to join On Course South West (OCSW) as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, supporting the Learner Services Team and the Apprenticeship Manager. This apprenticeship is ideal for someone who is organised, motivated, and keen to develop a career in business administration within an education and training environment. The role has been created to strengthen administrative capacity and is designed to support progression into a permanent administrative role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

About The Role

As a Business Administration Apprentice, you will provide high-quality administrative and operational support across learner services and apprenticeship provision. With guidance and supervision, you will develop a broad understanding of business administration, learner support processes, data management, compliance requirements, and organisational procedures. You will complete a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and experience while contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the service.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing administrative support across the Learner Services Team and Apprenticeships, including data entry, document preparation, filing, and record management.
• Supporting learner enquiries and communication with learners, employers, and stakeholders via telephone, email, and in person.
• Assisting with enrolment, onboarding, and maintaining accurate learner and apprenticeship records in line with data protection requirements.
• Supporting apprenticeship administration, including compliance documentation, evidence gathering, and preparation for audits and reviews.
• Assisting with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking notes where required.
• Maintaining electronic and manual filing systems, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and confidential.
• Processing information where accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Supporting general office and operational processes to ensure the smooth running of the service.
• Contributing ideas to improve administrative systems, processes, and learner experience.
• Undertaking other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

What We Are Looking For

• Is organised, reliable, and keen to learn.
• Has excellent customer care and communication skills.
• Can manage workloads, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Is confident using ICT systems, including Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Can work independently with guidance, as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Pays close attention to detail and understands the importance of confidentiality.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Two GCSEs at Grade A*–C / 9–4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Google tools.
• Ability to work towards deadlines and as part of a team.
• Willingness to complete the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship.

Desirable

• Previous administrative or office-based experience.
• Experience handling data or maintaining accurate records.
• Awareness of data protection, confidentiality, or compliance requirements.

What We Offer

• A structured apprenticeship with dedicated time for learning and development.
• Ongoing support from experienced colleagues and an apprenticeship tutor.
• The opportunity to gain transferable business administration skills.
• A supportive environment focused on learner experience and service quality.
• The potential to progress into a permanent administrative role.

On Course South West and Plymouth City Council are committed to developing local talent and supporting meaningful career pathways. For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Tim Scott-Lloyd on tim.scott-lloyd@plymouth.gov.uk.

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.

Closing date: Sunday 08 February 2026.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.