Join our team: Business Administrator - apprentice Start date: September 2026Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.Our apprenticeship programmes help preserve essential skills and develop tomorrow’s experts. We welcome new talent with fresh ideas and in return offer real responsibility, structured learning, and long‑term progression.Working Hours & Location This role follows a 37 hour, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is home-based with an assigned local hub for collaborative working. You should feel comfortable working independently for the majority of the week, with support available when needed. As part of the apprenticeship, we want to make sure you feel supported and have opportunities for in‑person learning. While the role offers flexibility, we ask that apprentices are able to attend one of our hubs when needed for meetings, training, and general support.Your main hub would be Pipers Cottage (Mini Hub), Red Bull, Kidsgrove, ST7 3AJ, which is close to a train station and easily accessible. You won’t be expected to be there every day—we’ll agree a pattern that works for you—but being able to travel to the hub is important so we can give you the best experience and guidance.Role OverviewAs a Business Administration Apprentice, you’ll play a key role in supporting our Direct Services team. You’ll handle a variety of day‑to‑day administrative tasks that help us keep waterways open and communities connected.Key responsibilitiesProvide efficient and professional administration support including managing inboxes and correspondence, preparing documents and dealing with confidential information. Update databases and trackers ensuring accuracy, gathering information for audits and compliance.Deliver technical administration using specialist knowledge to produce high‑quality, accurate work.Respond professionally to enquiries from customers and stakeholders, working with colleagues, contractors, and volunteers to support daily operationsDemonstrate and promote the Trust’s values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice. Training & DevelopmentYou will work towards the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with one of our expert training providers. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience - https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0070-v1-0The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long-term career prospects. About YouYou don’t need any prior experience - we’ll teach you everything you need. What matters is you have a genuine interest in business support, organisation, and helping teams deliver great work.You communicate clearly in writing and in person, pay attention to detail and feel comfortable working both independently and in a team. You’ll ideally have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.Apprentice story: Jake joined us straight after sixth form as an Apprentice PA, completed his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, and has since progressed to an Assistant Framework Contract Manager where he supports audits, reporting and site visits on nationally important contracts. See more here: Jake's Story (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/apprenticeships/stories-from-our-apprentices/jakes-story)Contact & Application If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. What We Offer We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1 (https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1)Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits