2026 Business Administration Apprenticeship - Level 3

Our Business Administration apprenticeship is a Level 3, 24-month programme designed to develop core administrative and organisational skills while supporting key business functions at Sellafield Ltd. As a Business Administration apprentice, you’ll join our teams who provide quality support to various departments and management teams across the Sellafield Ltd enterprise, within a variety of departments. Your tasks will include diary management, arranging meetings/events, taking notes, and providing admin support. You may act as a senior manager’s secretary, assist with document control, HR tasks (e.g. payroll, recruitment), and people‑related processes. During your apprenticeship you’ll develop admin, communication, and interpersonal skills, helping you to gain confidence in dealing with stakeholders.

This apprenticeship suits those interested in secretarial/admin work with strong organisational and communication skills. It’s a great chance to meet new people, you’ll collaborate with colleagues across Sellafield Ltd and get to experience a variety of departments while working in a supportive environment. Apprenticeships are focused around learning, so it’s important you’re eager to learn and open to receiving feedback while being able to adapt to change well. You’ll complete 3 different placements across different departments, giving you the chance to build your portfolio of skills and discover what area of the business might interest you in the future. In the final six months of your apprenticeship, an independent assessment will test your knowledge, skills, and behaviours, ensuring you meet the apprenticeship standards required for your formal qualification. Your placements will be based at the Sellafield Site or at any of our satellite offices around West Cumbria, so it’s important you’re able to make arrangements to attend any of these locations.

Skills you’ll learn & develop

You’ll develop a variety of administration skills that will set you up for success in your career. In addition, you’ll achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 apprenticeship: ST0070 Business Administrator.

What you’ll need to apply

• Communication skills
• Time management skills
• Basic proficiency of Microsoft Office

The qualifications you’ll need to have, or be predicted:

• 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (Grade C) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science/Engineering subject or ICT subject. Comparable qualifications approved by Ofqual may be considered equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (Grade C).
• If you’ve studied in Scotland: 3 National 5s at C or above including English and Maths (excluding Application of Maths), 1 Science/Engineering OR ICT subject. Comparable qualifications approved by Ofqual may be considered equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (Grade C).

Please be aware that this role is subject to achieving security clearance. This role requires a higher level of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. Factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the level of clearance you’re able to achieve.

How to apply & what to expect

Application Closing Date: 15th February 2026

Assessment: You will be issued an assessment to complete, the date you receive this will depend on when you apply. You will be given a deadline to complete this.

National Apprenticeship Week: 9th – 15th February 2026

In-Person Assessment Centre: Friday 20th March 2026

Conditional Offers issued between April & May 2026

Upon receiving an offer, you’ll be invited to attend a skills scan, this is a pre‑requirement for your apprenticeship and will take place between May and July, you will be notified of the date upon receiving your conditional offer.

Expected Start Date: 21st September 2026

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We select people according to their abilities and our needs. Please regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) for correspondence related to our apprenticeships, including assessment or interview invitations and any other type of correspondence relating to your application. In the event of a high number of responses to any advert, we may close the advert early. We are recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3). Disability Confident employers offer an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We define the minimum criteria as the ‘essential skills’ which are listed on the vacancy notice. Whilst completing your application form, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered under the disability confident scheme. If you would prefer to discuss this directly with us, please contact the GBS Recruitment team on recruitment@sellafieldcloud.co.uk.

What in it for you?

Salary of £21,260 in Year 1, rising to £21,960 in Year 2. If you’re over 21 when you enter Year 2, you’ll receive a salary of £26,413. On top of your annual salary, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4,000. We aim to strike a good work/life balance by offering 30 days annual leave with statutory public holidays on top. There is also the ability to purchase an additional 2.5 days leave on top. If you’re relocating here from more than 30 miles away, we’ll support you with a relocation allowance of £1,400 and give you plenty of information on the best areas to live and how to find a place too. We also offer an attractive defined contribution pension scheme – the company will match up to 13.5% for a 7% employee contribution. At the end of your apprenticeship and subject to there being a suitable vacancy, you’ll have the opportunity to be considered for a full-time position with us. Other benefits include paid sick leave scheme, cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies, welfare & employee assistance programme, employee savings & discounts, plus many others.

Top tips for a stand‑out application

• Plan Before You Apply – When you click ‘Apply for Job’, review the application form carefully. Note the key questions and minimum response requirements. Draft your answers offline first to ensure they’re well thought out, rather than rushing through the form.
• Include Skills We’re Looking For – refer your responses back to the Business Administration apprenticeship and the skills we’re looking for.
• Include All Qualifications – Make sure every qualification you’ve achieved is listed. Before submitting, double-check each section to confirm nothing is missing.
• Prepare Your Documents – If you’ve already achieved your qualifications, have digital copies ready to upload. This will save time and help you complete your application smoothly.