Business Support Apprentice (S2509,10,11) - Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary

The Children's Services dept. has responsibility for providing a business support service to a number of different areas which include Children’s Social Care and Early Help & Schools. This is an interesting and varied post and we are looking to recruit a hard-working and enthusiastic individual to be part of our Business Support Team.

Annual wage

£14,566.15 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£14,566.15 for 12 months, £22,366 for the remaining 6 months.

Training course: Business administrator

Hours: 37 flexible working hours in accordance with the needs of the service, to include evening and weekends.
37 hours a week

Start date: Monday 8 September 2025

Duration: 18 Months

Positions available: 3

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Principal Duties

1 To be responsible for providing efficient and effective administrative and/or customer service support to respond to service specific needs including: -

Postal duties
Photocopying and collating documents
Taking telephone messages
Inputting data onto computer systems
Using IT packages for word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
Dealing with customer requirements in a courteous and professional manner, taking advice from the Admin Manager when appropriate

2 To be familiar with a range of IT systems

3 To ensure effective use of office equipment and machinery and to make use of such facilities

4 To undertake word processing and other administrative/customer service work as required.

5 To undertake research and collate information as directed by Business Support Management.

6 To train with and shadow the Business Support Team to obtain experience of the various Administrative functions within Children’s Services scope of work.

7 To provide assistance to colleagues in allocated areas as and when appropriate.

Secondary Tasks

1 To participate in council programmes of in-service training as a trainee and when required as a trainer facilitator.

2 To undertake such other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined from time to time by the Service Head (or nominated representative) in consultation with the postholder (and if he/she so wishes, with his/her Trade Union representative).

3 To assist when required in activities to promote and publicise apprenticeships within the council.

4 Maintain a daily record of tasks performed in the form of a diary to show personal progress

5 To undertake such other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined by the Principal Manager (or nominated representative) in consultation with the apprentice and, if she/he wishes, with his/her trade union representative

Where you’ll work

Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1XU

Check your travel to work

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Your training course

Business administrator

Equal to Level 3 (A level)

Course contents

Your training plan

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE Minimum of 4 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade Grade 4/Grade C or equivalent) essential

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Customer care skills
Number skills
Team working
Pioneering and Open Approach
Proud
Passionate

Other requirements

Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, you will be invited to fill in the Rochdale Borough Council Application form at Rochdale Training. Please keep an eye on your emails as our recruitment team will be in touch to invite you to one of our sessions. Apprentice rate: Apprentices who undertake Level 3 apprenticeships are paid a salary of 14,566.15 for 12 months and equivalent to Grade 1 SCP 2 currently £22,656 for the remaining months of the contract (18-month contract). Interview Date: Thursday 4th July 2025. Induction date - Monday 8th September 2025. Should you apply for 2 vacancies (maximum), we strongly encourage you to attend both interviews and declare this. It will not count against you, and all teams/panels will be aware. This expression of interest is the first stage of your application. The Authority operates a Smoke-Free Policy for all its employees and applies to any building and associated grounds within near the building, which is wholly owned, leased, or operated and occupied by Rochdale Borough Council.