Apprentice Operations Administrative Assistant

Summary

We aim to empower every apprentice to become the best version of themselves, supporting progression to the next level. This exciting, varied role offers hands-on experience across Technical Operations within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, supporting key activities, collaborating, and contributing to impactful initiatives.

Wage

£25,249 a year

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (variable times to suit workplace requirements) 1 hour for lunch.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

2 years

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

During your apprenticeship, you’ll take part in a high-quality training programme designed to help you build confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for a successful long-term career. By the end, you’ll have the experience, knowledge, and qualifications to progress within the University of Manchester.

You’ll play an important role in supporting people-focused activities across Technical Operations in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, gaining real, hands-on experience in recruitment, onboarding, and staff support.

What you’ll be doing:

Supporting Recruitment & Onboarding

• Help coordinate recruitment processes from start to finish, including organising interviews, communicating with candidates, and supporting panels
• Play a key part in welcoming new starters, helping ensure they have a smooth and positive onboarding experience
• Contribute to initiatives that promote diversity, including increasing opportunities for women in technical roles

Developing Valuable Admin & Business Skills

• Maintain accurate records and support essential people processes across the employee lifecycle
• Use tools such as Microsoft Planner and SharePoint to track progress and manage information
• Help organise and store key documents in line with data protection requirements

Working with Teams Across the University

• Collaborate with technical managers, People Services, and other teams
• Support communication channels, including shared inboxes and distribution lists
• Help share development opportunities and important updates with staff

Events, Meetings & Projects

• Get involved in organising meetings, training sessions, and events
• Support with agendas, minutes, and tracking actions, building strong organisational skills
• Contribute to ongoing improvements and new initiatives across the team

Additional Experience

• Gain insight into procurement, travel booking, and financial processes
• Support sustainability, inclusion, and continuous improvement activities across the University

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive environment, where you’ll be encouraged to grow, learn, and make a meaningful contribution from day one. You’ll develop transferable skills, work with experienced professionals, and be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. 

Where you'll work

Oxford Road
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M13 9PL

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• 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

Alongside a bespoke Business Administrator apprenticeship, you will undertake extra training giving you skills to progress within your chosen career.

You will spend a mixture of time working on campus, and a day a week dedicated to your studies to gain the skills required to carry out your duties as a Business Administrator. We will provide you with all the necessary tools and equipment, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice.

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you will gain a level 3/advanced apprenticeship qualification.

You will undertake one day a week for your apprenticeship, along with any training that we provide.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 5 or equivalent)
• Maths (grade 5 or equivalent)

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
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Passion for customer service
• Excellent service delivery

Other requirements

We are strongly committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and encourage all applicants to apply. Our university is positive about flexible working, blended working arrangements may be considered.