Business Administration Apprentice

Summary

Start your business career with Quayside Electrical, one of the South’s leading electrical contractors. Gain hands-on experience in customer care and business administration while supporting major housebuilder clients and studying towards a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 6 July 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

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

• Support the Customer Care Manager and Commercial Director with daily administration tasks
• Liaise with large housebuilder clients professionally via phone and email
• Schedule appointments and book visits for electricians with homeowners
• Respond to customer enquiries in a professional and friendly manner
• Maintain accurate records, databases and company systems
• Compose emails and written communications to a high standard
• Assist with organising customer care processes and follow-up actions
• Update internal systems and ensure information is accurate and up to date
• Support general office administration duties as required
• Develop confidence working in a busy, professional office environment

Where you'll work

UNIT 22
MOUNT PLEASANT IND ESTATE
SOUTHAMPTON
SO14 0SP

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP

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

The apprentice will complete the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship through Southampton College.

Training will take place primarily in the workplace at Quayside Electrical’s Southampton office, alongside pre-arranged masterclasses at Southampton College. The apprentice will receive ongoing support from a dedicated Professional Trainer, alongside practical on-the-job learning, portfolio work and regular reviews.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4/C)
• Maths (grade 4/C)

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
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Initiative