Executive Support Apprentice in Swindon

Join UKRI as an Executive Support Apprentice and develop key skills in administration, communication, and coordination within a central directorate. This is a key role within a small, friendly, and high-performing team at the heart of the directorate, providing direct support to senior leaders and contributing to the smooth running of the office while supporting the delivery of effective communications across UKRI.

Responsibilities

• Support Deputy Directors of Communication by managing their diaries and scheduling meetings, visits, and events.
• Work with Private Secretaries to help prepare senior leaders for their commitments and prioritise effectively.
• Arrange domestic and international travel, working with internal and external partners to identify the most efficient options.
• Help maintain the team’s SharePoint site, ensuring documents, processes, and resources are well organised and easy to find.
• Assist with risk management, corporate compliance, and directorate-wide activities as needed.
• Contribute to planning and delivery of team events, including directorate Away Days.
• Support colleagues across the Private Office to ensure the team operates smoothly, professionally, and collaboratively.

What You Will Learn

The apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with New College Swindon over 18–21 months. The first 15–18 months form the ‘practical period’, combining on- and off-the-job training with New College Swindon and UKRI to develop and apply the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship. In the final 3 months, learners will undertake and lead a work-based improvement project, deliver a presentation on the project, complete a Knowledge Test, and take part in a professional discussion underpinned by a work-based portfolio as part of the End Point Assessment.

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum of two GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications).
• Good written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through your application and interview.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage changing demands.
• Ability to work proactively as part of a team, using initiative to solve problems and contribute to shared goals.
• IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word and Teams.
• A demonstrable interest in the work of UKRI and the role of communications within the organisation.

Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements

• Evidence of 2 GCSE including Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills).
• Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprentice start date.
• Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.