Annual salary: up to £28,186.33
Business Support Apprentice
Course title: Business Administration ( level 3)
Location: Spennymoor
Contract Type: Fixed Term Apprenticeship
Salary:
Age 16–18: £7.96 per hour — 40 hours per week (including time for study leave)
Age 19–20: £11.06 per hour — 40 hours per week (including time for study leave)
Age 21+: £12.21 per hour (rising to £12.71 in April) — 40 hours per week (including time for study leave)
Training provider: Inspiro
You will join Mears Group in the week commencing 03/08/2026, The programme has an expected duration of approximately 18 months
About apprenticeships at Mears Group:
Apprenticeships are an underpinning part of Mears’ philosophy; we are committed to developing the next generation of our workforce, many of our most senior people started their working life as an apprentice.
Whether you are fresh out of school or college or looking for a complete career change, Mears can offer you a great foundation to your future career and beyond.
All our Apprentices are paid above the national minimum wage, and you’ll be paid for your normal working hours plus your attendance at college, with the opportunity to get real life experiences such as working in people’s homes, getting involved in community projects and improving people’s lives by being customer focused.
What does a life as an Business Support Administrator look like?
As a Business Support Apprentice, you will be developing within the role, guided by your mentor. The role will be based within our Administration team, working alongside the team to support the R&M Contract. You will be involved in a wide range of duties, including liaising and communicating with stakeholders, clients, and contractors; compiling reports; answering queries, complaints, and compliments via email or phone; and undertaking administrative tasks such as typing up notes and attending meetings. You will also learn about planning and how it supports the effective delivery of the contract.
The apprenticeship course will cover the following: -
1. Introduction to business administration within an accommodation and housing environment
2. Developing effective communication skills, including answering phone calls and responding to emails professionally
3. Providing reception support and dealing with internal and external enquiries
4. Administrative and office support skills, including filing, photocopying, and document management
5. Data input and maintaining accurate records on internal systems
6. Understanding confidentiality, data protection, and professional standards
7. Supporting the Accommodation team with day-to-day operational tasks
8. Learning how the wider accommodation team operates and how departments work together
9. Developing organisational and time-management skills in a busy office environment
10. Building confidence in using office IT systems and software
What do you need to be a successful applicant: -
11. GCSEs in English and maths
12. Required to get to branch
13. A genuine desire to learn and develop strong technical knowledge, including the skills, technology, and safety procedures needed to carry out the full range of tasks
14. Strong communication skills
15. Ability to build and maintain positive customer and client relationships
16. Please note due to the nature of the role, successful applicants must complete a basic Maths and English assessment
What you will get:
17. Chromebook, and uniform supplied
18. An industry‑recognised qualification
19. 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
20. £250 contribution towards driving lessons
21. Annual Mears Fun Day - a company‑wide celebration as a thank‑you from the Executive Team
22. Support from Mears Group Apprentice Ambassadors
23. Apprenticeship events and reward trips
24. Staff perks through Mears Rewards - including discounts on weekly groceries (up to 10%), holidays, eye‑test vouchers, ShareSave scheme, and more
Application Process:
25. All applicants must submit their CV and complete the apprenticeship questionnaire via the Mears Careers website
26. If shortlisted, you will be contacted to confirm whether you have been selected for the next stage - this may be an assessment centre or an individual interview
27. Please note: as part of the selection process, you will be required to complete a basic maths and English test, similar to the assessments needed to join the college
A bit about us.
Mears Group PLC is a leading provider of housing and care services in the UK. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community well-being, Mears specialises in delivering housing solutions, maintenance services, and care support to a diverse client base. The group’s expertise encompasses responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and housing management, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions for individuals and communities. Mears Group is committed to fostering a positive impact on society, making it an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a career in a socially responsible and dynamic organisation. A career with Mears Group means putting people and customers at the heart of what you do, every day. Our culture is built on what we call our ‘Red Thread’ – the common values we share that make us what we are.
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.