Summary
As a Business Admin Apprentice at OCSW, you will provide high-quality administrative support across learner services and apprenticeship provision. With guidance and supervision, you will develop a broad understanding of business administration, learner support processes, data management, compliance requirements, and organisational procedures.
Wage
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Actual wage is - NVQ L3 (£11.20 - £12.21 per hour)
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday between 8.45am -and 5.00pm (to be confirmed at interview)
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 2 March 2026
Duration
1 year 3 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
Key responsibilities:
* Providing administrative support across the Learner Services Team and Apprenticeships, including data entry, document preparation, filing, and record management
* Supporting learner enquiries and communication with learners, employers, and stakeholders via telephone, email, and in person
* Assisting with enrolment, onboarding, and maintaining accurate learner and apprenticeship records in line with data protection requirements
* Supporting apprenticeship administration, including compliance documentation, evidence gathering, and preparation for audits and reviews
* Assisting with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking notes where required
* Maintaining electronic and manual filing systems, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and confidential
* Processing information where accuracy and attention to detail are essential
* Supporting general office and operational processes to ensure the smooth running of the service
* Contributing ideas to improve administrative systems, processes, and learner experience
* Undertaking other duties appropriate to the grade of the post
Where you'll work
On Course Southwest
Floor 1 Cobourg House Mayflower Street
Plymouth
PL1 1QX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
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
The apprentice’s training will take place both at work and through college days with ON Course South West. Most of the practical training and day-to-day learning will happen in the workplace, allowing the apprentice to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Additionally, there will be regular college sessions held at ON Course South West, where the apprentice will develop their knowledge and complete coursework in a classroom environment.
Training will typically occur on a set day at OCSW, with the remainder of the time spent working and applying skills on the job. This combination ensures a balanced approach to learning, blending practical work-based training with formal study.
The college sessions take place at:
ON Course South West, Coburg House, Mayflower Street, Plymouth, PL1 1QX.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4-9 (A*-C))
* Math (grade 4-9 (A*-C))
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
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
Other requirements
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is:
Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.
Basic knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Google tools
Ability to work towards deadlines and as part of a team
Willingness to complete the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship