Join to apply for the Apprentice – Business & Administration role at Essex County Council
Fixed Term, Full Time. Salary: £14,567 per annum rising to £23,557 per annum on the second year. Location: Harlow. Working Style: Anywhere worker. Closing Date: 20/11/2025.
About The Role
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Business Support function as an Apprentice. This is an entry‑level apprenticeship that combines on‑the‑job learning with classroom elements.
Benefits
* Healthy work life balance; flexible and hybrid working options.
* Wide range of learning and development opportunities.
* IT equipment and home‑working equipment supplied.
* 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + choice to buy extra.
* Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme.
* Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards.
* Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with LifeWorks.
* Disability Confident Leader: we are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
* Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave.
* National Apprenticeship Wage for the first 12 months of your Apprenticeship. After 12 months of service, your salary will increase to the National Living Wage (currently £23,557 per annum as of 01 April 2025).
* Required qualification: A Customer Service Level 2 or a Business Administrator Level 3 qualification via Adult Community Learning (ACL).
What our apprentices say
“I really enjoyed my apprenticeship with ECC, I loved that the majority of the apprenticeship is on the job learning and minimal classroom work. The opportunities for career development have been much wider than I originally thought, and the apprenticeship is such a great way to start your career and get your foot in the door with your local council/ government.”
“I love the apprenticeship process as you’re getting paid as you learn. I have been able to make good connections with other employees and really good relationships throughout my journey so far. It’s a great starting point to anyone who hasn’t got a clear idea of what work they would like to pursue. Also, the apprenticeship allowed me to try multiple different types of jobs when opportunities came up, so I was able to see what I liked, and I was good at.”
The Role
* Provide high quality administrative support to all Essex County Council front‑line services.
* Assist with routine administrative tasks including data entry, email handling, telephone, customer service, diary management.
* Maintain own diary and work pattern management.
* Photocopying/scanning and post handling.
* Attend meetings with team colleagues and managers.
* Work alongside other administrative assistants and apprentices.
* Follow ECC policies and procedures for task completion.
About You
* Educated to RQF level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
* Highly organised and reliable.
* Capable of prioritising a demanding workload and has a “can do” attitude.
* Able to take ownership of work and achieve agreed commitments.
* Effective communication and relationship building.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office/Office 365 applications and willing to learn new systems.
* Friendly approach and good phone manner.
* Emotionally intelligent.
* Good teamwork skills and commitment to collaboration.
Essential Requirements for the role
* You must be 16 years of age at the start of the apprenticeship.
* You must have the right to work and study in England.
* You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the apprenticeship start date.
* You cannot have previously completed a qualification that is Level 2 or above in a field related to Customer Services or Business Administration.
* Apprentices must have the right to permanently live, work and study in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment, flexible working options and a focus on innovation. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants and veterans. We maintain a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour.
How to apply
Start your journey within Business Administration by clicking the APPLY button now! If you are interested in finding out more about this role or require further information, please email: work.placements@essex.gov.uk. If you have queries, contact wade.harding@essex.gov.uk.
Additional information: Follow us on social media. Further details can be found on our careers page.
#J-18808-Ljbffr