Business Apprenticeships

Course Overview

Develop the practical skills, business knowledge and professional behaviours needed to support the successful operation of an organisation.

Business administrators work across every sector, including private businesses, public services, education, healthcare, construction, finance and charities. They support teams, communicate with customers and stakeholders, organise business activities and help improve administrative processes.

This apprenticeship provides highly transferable skills and can provide a strong starting point for progression into management, project support, human resources, finance or other specialist business roles.

Entry Requirements

To begin this apprenticeship, you must:

• Be employed in a suitable business administration role

• Have GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Mathematics Level 2

• Have GCSE English at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills English Level 2

• Be able to undertake the workplace responsibilities required by the apprenticeship

• Meet any additional requirements set by your employer

Relevant work experience and previous qualifications will be considered during your initial assessment.

Not yet employed? You can register your interest and search for suitable apprenticeship vacancies. You must secure an appropriate job before starting the programme.

Who Is This Apprenticeship For?

This apprenticeship could be right for you if you:

• Are organised and enjoy working with others

• Want to develop a career in business or administration

• Communicate confidently in writing, in person and online

• Enjoy solving problems and improving how things are done

• Can manage different tasks and meet deadlines

• Want to develop digital and project-management skills

• Want to earn a salary while gaining recognised workplace experience

What You Will Learn

Digital and Administrative Skills

• Using workplace software and digital systems

• Producing professional emails, letters, reports and proposals

• Creating and maintaining accurate records

• Entering, reviewing and analysing data

• Managing files and confidential information

• Using databases, spreadsheets and presentation software

• Selecting the right digital solution for a business task

Communication

• Communicating professionally in writing and verbally

• Selecting appropriate communication methods

• Responding to internal and external enquiries

• Building positive working relationships

• Communicating with customers, suppliers and stakeholders

• Representing your team or organisation professionally

• Using digital communication and social media appropriately

Planning and Organisation

• Managing workloads, priorities and deadlines

• Organising meetings and events

• Preparing agendas and taking minutes

• Creating action logs and monitoring progress

• Coordinating travel, accommodation and other resources

• Managing expectations and responding to changing priorities

Business Knowledge

• Organisational structures, aims and values

• How different teams and functions work together

• Customer and stakeholder relationships

• Business policies and procedures

• Data protection, health and safety and compliance

• Business finance, including invoices, payments and purchase orders

• External factors that can affect an organisation

• The importance of quality and customer service

Projects and Improvement

• Understanding project-management principles

• Planning and delivering a workplace project

• Identifying opportunities to improve business processes

• Gathering and analysing information

• Managing project resources and timescales

• Communicating with project stakeholders

• Monitoring results and making recommendations

Professional Behaviours

• Professionalism, integrity and reliability

• Taking responsibility for your work

• Demonstrating initiative and sound judgement

• Responding positively to feedback

• Adapting to changing priorities

• Working effectively as part of a team

• Supporting or coaching colleagues

• Continuing your professional development

What Will I Do at Work?

Your responsibilities could include:

• Preparing business documents, reports and correspondence

• Responding to telephone, email and online enquiries

• Maintaining records, databases and filing systems

• Organising meetings, events or appointments

• Producing agendas and recording meeting minutes

• Processing invoices, payments or purchase orders

• Communicating with customers, colleagues and suppliers

• Supporting projects and monitoring actions

• Handling confidential information

• Reviewing administrative processes and recommending improvements

The exact responsibilities will depend on your employer, department and industry.

Duration

The apprenticeship typically takes 18 months to reach the end-point assessment, followed by an assessment period of approximately three months. The duration may vary depending on your previous experience, prior learning and workplace opportunities.

How You Will Be Assessed

Your knowledge, skills and professional behaviours will be developed and assessed throughout the apprenticeship through:

• Workplace activities

• Written and practical assignments

• An evidence portfolio

• A workplace project or process improvement

• Regular progress reviews with you and your employer

• Feedback and professional discussions

At the end of the programme, you will complete an independent end-point assessment consisting of:

• Knowledge test: A multiple-choice assessment covering areas such as business fundamentals, relevant regulations and project management

• Portfolio-based interview: A professional discussion using examples from your workplace evidence

• Project presentation: A presentation and questions about a project you have completed or a business process you have improved

You must pass all three components. The overall apprenticeship grades are pass, distinction or fail.

Why Study With Us?

At New City College, you will benefit from:

• Training linked directly to your workplace responsibilities

• Teaching from experienced business professionals

• Development of practical digital and administrative skills

• Regular progress reviews involving you and your employer

• Support to complete your workplace project

• Guidance when developing your evidence portfolio

• Structured preparation for your end-point assessment

• Opportunities to learn alongside apprentices from different organisations and sectors

As an apprentice, you will earn a salary, gain valuable professional experience and receive your apprenticeship training without paying tuition fees.

Career Opportunities

After completing the apprenticeship, you could progress into roles such as:

• Business administrator

• Office administrator

• Business support officer

• Project support officer

• Personal assistant

• Executive assistant

• Operations administrator

• Customer service administrator

• Human resources administrator

• Finance administrator

• Team coordinator

With further experience and study, you could progress into supervisory, management or specialist business roles.

Further study could include:

• Associate Project Manager Level 4

• Improvement Practitioner Level 4

• Higher education in business, management, human resources or a related subject

Take Your Next Step

Already employed in a relevant administration role? Speak to your employer about starting the apprenticeship with New City College.

Looking for an opportunity? Register your interest and explore our current business administration apprenticeship vacancies.

NB. The Business Administrator standard is currently undergoing revision, although the existing version remains approved for delivery. This page will therefore be reviewed when Skills England publishes the revised standard.