Business Administration Apprentice Level 3

Estimating Support

Log and organise incoming customer enquiries in line with agreed processes.  Prepare simple quotes under guidance (e.g. using known labour times, standard parts and finishes). Collect and update material, subcontract and paint/finish costs from suppliers and internal data. Populate quote templates accurately for review by the Office Manager. Update the status of enquiries and quotes in Excel trackers and Redthorn MRP.

 

Order & Admin Support

Assist with checking customer purchase orders against quotes (price, quantities, lead times). Help enter and maintain sales orders on Redthorn MRP. Support the accurate filing and organisation of quotes, orders and related documents. Update and maintain existing Excel tracking sheets (quotes, orders, deliveries, etc.). Liaise with the Service Delivery Coordinators and Business Development Manager for basic information requests.

 

Data & Systems

Keep data in Redthorn MRP accurate and up to date (enquiries, quotes, orders). Maintain simple reports and lists to support weekly reviews (e.g. open quotes, due dates). Help tidy and standardise templates and spreadsheets as processes improve.

Training:

Training will be via TEAMS every four weeks with the following:

Initial onboarding day at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire college Hinkley Road Nuneaton CV11 6BH. In the workplace online training and mentoring.

Full on-the-job training from the Office Manager (former Estimating Manager)

Step-by-step development plan to build skills in:

Understanding drawings and enquiries at a basic level. Building up simple estimates and quotes. Using Redthorn MRP and Excel effectively. Opportunity over time to take on more complex estimating tasks as skills and confidence grow.

 

Training Outcome:

This role is designed as a development position, with clear opportunities to grow as skills and experience build. Depending on performance and interest, future progression could include:

Estimator / Senior Estimator – taking ownership of more complex quotations and technical enquiries. Commercial / Office Supervisor – supporting the Office Manager with coordinating enquiries, orders and admin. Service Delivery / Customer Account roles – moving into more customer-facing work and project coordination. Data / Business Analysis support – for someone who enjoys numbers, reporting and improving trackers and systems.

You’ll be working closely with the Office Manager (former Estimating Manager), so you’ll learn the full process from enquiry to delivery and be well placed to move up as the business grows

Employer Description:

Universal Fabrications (Coventry) Ltd is a precision sheet-metal engineering and fabrication business based in Nuneaton. We support demanding customers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, rail and EV battery systems, supplying high-quality fabricated and machined components from our 36,000 sq ft facility. We combine modern machinery with skilled people, working on everything from one-off prototypes to full production batches. The work is detailed and varied, and we pride ourselves on doing things properly – we don’t cut corners. As an employer, we offer a friendly, down-to-earth environment where people are expected to take responsibility, be organised and support each other as part of “Team Universal”. For the right person, there are real opportunities to learn, grow and progress as the business continues to invest and expand.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience