Executive Support Apprentice (Level 3 Business Administration)

Summary

Join Bristol City Council as an Executive Support Apprentice and gain valuable experience supporting senior leaders at the heart of decision-making across the city. This is a fantastic opportunity to build professional skills in a fast-paced and supportive environment while studying towards a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Pay will be reviewed annually in line with National Joint Council (NJC) pay awards.

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. This role is primarily based at City Hall, Bristol, with occasional home working where appropriate.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 6 July 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

The Executive Office provides professional, confidential, administrative and organisational support to senior officers. The service acts as a central hub, supporting senior leaders by organising priorities, managing the flow of information, and helping ensure decisions and governance processes run smoothly.

You will be working with colleagues within the Executive Office to support the aims, objectives and priorities of the Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

You will support the effective functioning of the Executive Office through tasks such as:

• Providing day-to-day administrative support to Senior Leaders, helping them manage priorities effectively
• Supporting and coordinating the planning and organising of meetings and events, ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Preparing key documents such as agenda packs and taking minutes and actions
• Building relationships by responding to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders
• Carrying out a range of administrative tasks that support the smooth running of the office

You’ll also develop skills in teamwork, communication and time management while contributing to a high-profile service area supporting senior leadership.

Where you'll work

City Hall
College Green
Bristol
Somerset
BS1 5TR

Training

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

Training provider

CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• 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

You will work towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification while gaining practical experience in the workplace. Training will be delivered through a combination of:

• On-the-job learning within the Executive Office
• Off-the-job training with a training provider
• Regular progress reviews with your manager and training provider

More training information

This apprenticeship will help you develop essential workplace skills including communication, organisation, stakeholder management and digital skills, supporting your long-term career progression.

What will I gain from this role?

• Experience supporting senior leaders and understanding how decisions are made
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence working in a fast-paced professional environment.
• A recognised Level 3 Business Administration qualification.
• Opportunities to progress into permanent roles within the council.

Previous Business Administration apprentices have progressed into permanent Bristol City Council roles in a variety of teams including HR, Finance and Projects, following the successful completion of their apprenticeship. Many have also gone on to obtain additional qualifications funded by the Council.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

5 GCSE's including Maths and English at grade 4/C in:

OR Functional Skills (grade Level 2)

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
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Time management skills
• Willingness to learn

Other requirements

• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme
• Ability to balance work responsibilities with study requirements
• Willingness to follow council policies and procedures