Business Administrator (Level 3 Standard)

Business administrators have a highly transferable set of knowledge, skills, and behaviours that can be applied in all sectors. This includes small and large businesses alike; from the public sector, private sector, and charitable sector. The role may involve working independently or as part of a team and will involve developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving administrative services. Business administrators develop key skills and behaviours to support their own progression towards management responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the role are to support and engage with different parts of the organisation and interact with internal or external customers. With a focus on adding value, the role of business administrator contributes to the efficiency of an organisation, through the support of functional areas, working across teams, and resolving issues as requested. The flexibility and responsiveness required allow the apprentice to develop a wide range of skills.

The business administrator is expected to deliver their responsibilities efficiently and with integrity - showing a positive attitude. The role involves demonstrating strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and adopting a proactive approach to developing skills. The business administrator is also expected to show initiative, managing priorities and own time, problem-solving skills, decision-making and the potential for people management responsibilities through mentoring or coaching others.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work in professional office-based roles while attending college one day per week. They support business operations such as managing records, handling communications, and coordinating meetings; gaining practical experience alongside structured learning in administration.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers business fundamentals, project management, IT systems, communication, and record keeping. Apprentices also learn about regulations, customer service, and continuous improvement, helping them contribute effectively to organisational efficiency.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may focus on sectors like finance, human resources (HR), marketing, or operations depending on their interest and employer needs. Some specialise in digital tools, compliance, or customer engagement, with optional training in office software like Excel, CRM platforms, or project tools.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 18 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as business administrator, office coordinator, or project assistant, with progression into team leadership, specialist roles, or higher apprenticeships.

For a comprehensive understanding of this business administration programme and what it entails, please click here.

This business administration Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this business administration Apprenticeship will take 18 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk