At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Social Work or Infrastructure teams with admin tasks and daily operations.
- Company: Join Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to serving and improving local communities.
- Benefits: Earn Β£12.60 per hour, gain valuable experience, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for gaining hands-on experience while making a difference in public services.
- Qualifications: Must be aged 16-24 with a good standard of general education.
- Other info: Temporary position until September 2026; two posts available.
Grade: MA
Hours: 35
Hourly Rate: Β£12.60 Real Living Wage
Salary: Β£22,994.97 per annum
Contract Duration: Temporary until 30th September 2026.
Please note there are 2 posts for this vacancy: X1 post in the Social Work team and X1 post in the Infrastructure & Environment team.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Modern Apprentice providing business support to Social Work staff based in the Galashiels Social Work Office. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop key administrative skills while contributing to vital public services.
Eligibility Criteria: You must be aged 16-24 at the point of starting the apprenticeship.
About the Role: As a Modern Apprentice, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of either the Social Work or Infrastructure and Environment team. You will gain hands-on experience in a range of administrative tasks and develop your knowledge of local authority systems and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Answering telephone calls and directing enquiries appropriately
- Typing and distributing letters and other correspondence
- Taking and distributing meeting minutes
- Using SBC systems and applications such as Mosaic, Business World, Intranet, OneDrive, Confirm and Microsoft Office packages
- Processing Police Concern Forms
- Scanning, filing, and maintaining accurate records
- Acting as the first point of contact for telephone and email enquiries from the public and professionals
- Monitoring team mailboxes and ensuring timely responses
- Completing Mosaic/Confirm Incoming Work tasks
Key Attributes:
- Commitment to working within a team
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to use initiative and take responsibility
- Willingness to collaborate and share knowledge
Essential: In accordance with Scottish Borders Council priorities, you will need to be aged 16-24 (at the point of starting the apprenticeship) to qualify for this position. A good standard of general education.
Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Debbie Nicholas at dbnicholas@scotborders.gov.uk.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Modern Apprentice - Business Support Assistant (2 Posts) - Paton Street Galashiels - SBO09206 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Contact Detail:
Scottish Borders Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Modern Apprentice - Business Support Assistant (2 Posts) - Paton Street Galashiels - SBO09206
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific teams you're applying to, whether it's Social Work or Infrastructure & Environment. Understanding their roles and responsibilities will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your enthusiasm for public service and community support. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping others, as this aligns well with the values of the role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your adaptability and teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others or adapted to new situations, as these are key attributes for the Modern Apprentice position.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research the systems and applications mentioned in the job description, like Mosaic and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with these tools can give you an edge and show your proactive approach to learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Modern Apprentice - Business Support Assistant (2 Posts) - Paton Street Galashiels - SBO09206
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and key attributes required for the Modern Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Create a CV that showcases your education, any relevant experience, and skills that relate to business support and administration. Make sure to include any volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment and ability to work in a team.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to public services. Mention specific examples of your adaptability, initiative, and teamwork skills that make you a suitable candidate for the apprenticeship.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in administrative roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
β¨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the Scottish Borders Council and its values. Understanding their mission and how they serve the community will help you align your answers with their goals.
β¨Show Enthusiasm for the Role
Express your excitement about the Modern Apprentice position. Highlight your eagerness to learn and contribute to either the Social Work or Infrastructure & Environment team, as this will demonstrate your motivation.
β¨Prepare for Common Questions
Think about potential questions you might be asked, such as your understanding of administrative tasks or how you handle teamwork. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
β¨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be ready to discuss any relevant skills or experiences you have that relate to the job. Whether it's using Microsoft Office or handling customer enquiries, showcasing your abilities will make a strong impression.