Summary
As an apprentice, you will play an important role in assisting the Training Section with the delivery of effective administration.
The successful candidate will have a good standard of general education. Previous experience within an administrative environment would be advantageous but not essential.
Wage
£15,600 a year
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 17:00.
37 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 7 April 2026
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
* Provide general administrative support to the Service Training Team, including filing, scanning, copying, and maintaining accurate records.
* Monitor and manage shared inboxes (e.g., training and driver training inboxes), responding to queries appropriately or escalating where needed.
* Use IT systems and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, databases, SharePoint, intranet systems) to produce correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and records, including maintaining the competency spreadsheet and staff planner for driver training course.
* Assist with the creation and maintenance of content on the Service’s internet, intranet, and SharePoint pages.
* Maintain accurate records using both manual and computerised systems, ensuring data is complete, accurate, and validated, including requisitions, training evaluations, and invoice records.
* Assist with incoming and outgoing post in a timely manner.
* Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and securely.
* Provide reception duties at the Service Training Centre, welcoming visitors and representing the Service professionally.
* Act as a first point of contact for internal and external enquiries, providing accurate information or signposting as required.
* Communicate effectively face-to-face, by telephone, email, and digital platforms, selecting the most appropriate communication method.
* Liaise with staff and external organisations to schedule driver training courses and tests, including NEAS, Police, and Mountain Rescue, and update data management systems accordingly.
* Send joining instructions to students and their line managers, monitor cancellations, assisting with the rescheduling of courses as required.
* Liaise with workshops to schedule services and MOTs for driver training vehicles.
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with managers, colleagues, and external contacts.
* Support small projects or pieces of work as required by the team and assist with performance indicators and reports for management and HR.
The areas of responsibility associated with a post may be amended from time to time, and where possible, consultation will take place prior to the change. It is expected that the post-holder will operate flexibly in any location and undertake any other tasks and projects which could reasonably be expected of someone holding this grade, including assisting other sections as required, commensurate with the grade or of a lower grade.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* Bowburn South Industrial Estate, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5AD
* Fire Station, York Hill Road, Spennymoor, DL16 6TQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
* Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
* Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
* Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
* Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
* Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
* Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
* Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
You will attend New College Durham one day per week on a Wednesday.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* another subject (grade 4)
* another subject (grade 4)
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Administrative skills
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
Other requirements
* Suitable references.
* Medical and DBS check.