About the role
Essex County Council is recruiting an Apprentice – Business & Administration to work full‑time on a fixed‑term basis. The role is based at County Hall, Chelmsford, and will be a 12‑month apprenticeship that combines work‑based learning with a Level 3 qualification delivered through Adult Community Learning (ACL). The apprenticeship hands on experience includes routine administrative duties, customer service, and support to front‑line services across the council.
What you will be doing
* Inputting and verifying data from source documents into the relevant recording system.
* Responding to emails and telephone calls.
* Providing front‑facing customer service.
* Maintaining your own diary and managing work patterns.
* Photocopying, scanning, sending letters and processing incoming post.
* Attending meetings with team colleagues and managers, either in person or via video.
* Working alongside other administrative assistants and apprentices who will train you.
* Following ECC policies, procedures and expected standards of behaviour.
Qualifications and experience
* Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
* Highly organised, reliable, and capable of prioritising a demanding workload.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office/Office 365 and willing to learn new systems.
* Good interpersonal skills, friendly approach, and a professional phone manner.
* Emotionally intelligent and able to build and maintain relationships.
* Teamwork skills and a commitment to collaboration.
* Experience in a working environment is helpful but not essential.
Essential requirements
* Age 16 or older at the start of the apprenticeship.
* Right to work and study in England, and ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least 3 years before the apprenticeship starts.
* Not previously completed a Level 2 or higher qualification in Customer Services or Business Administration related fields.
* Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas; a valid work status in the UK is required.
Benefits
* £15,435 per annum, with the salary increasing to the National Living Wage after 12 months.
* 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days.
* Generous local government pension scheme.
* Access to hundreds of discounts through Essex Rewards and the LifeWorks wellbeing platform.
* Healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* National Apprenticeship Wage for the first 12 months, and a Level 3 qualification via ACL.
* Up to 4 days of volunteering leave per annum.
* Disability Confident Leader: interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements.
Why Essex County Council?
Essex offers a stimulating public‑service environment with a focus on innovation, flexible working and career progression. The council is committed to safeguarding, diversity and inclusion, and is a Disability Confident Leader, welcoming disabled, veteran and care leaver applicants.
How to apply
Please submit your application through the council’s careers portal by 6 May 2026. For further information or to discuss the role, email wade.harding@essex.gov.uk.
EEO and other commitments
Essex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. The council is a Disability Confident Leader and welcomes applications from disabled, veteran and care leaver candidates who meet the minimum requirements.
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