Business Administrator Apprentice

The Apprentice Business Administrator is a key role within Cheshire West and Chester’s Revenues and Assessment Service which is within the wider Finance Directorate.

This apprentice role offers the opportunity to develop valuable experience of working within a busy administrative environment and acquire the skills and knowledge to become a Clerical Assistant.

The Apprentice Business Administrator will provide a wide range of essential administrative and business support activities to assist the Revenues and Assessment Service. This apprenticeship will have line manager, workplace mentor, inclusive employment manager and a dedicated apprentice programme tutor.

On successful completion of the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard and review of performance, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Clerical Assistant.

This role is ‘Hybrid’ which means working from Council Hub buildings and from home.

Notwithstanding the detail in this Job Role Profile, the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Principal Responsibilities of the job.

RESPONSIBILITIES - the Apprentice will…With appropriate support and supervision:

To manage and administer the scanning and indexing of incoming documents from low-income residents in accordance with specific guidelines and quality control procedures and report any discrepancies to the team leader to ensure that claimants’ applications for financial support are administered appropriately and effectively To review, support and administer applications for schemes with basic eligibility criteria e.g. Free School Meals and assist customers seeking support by providing application forms and general claiming advice To maintain electronic financial recording systems in respect of benefit support schemes. To advise the appropriate Team Leader of any discrepancies and provide information and evidence to assist in the decision-making process for applications made by local residents To respond to enquiries in person, by telephone and in writing, from clients and a wide range of contacts, assessing their urgency and importance and to decide on the appropriate course of action (deal with the issue directly or liaise with other staff, agencies etc.) to avoid unnecessary disruption to professional staff To support the authority in achieving performance measures, by obtaining documentation required to process Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Discretionary Grant claims swiftly To have a working basic knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Free School Meals and other discretionary schemes administered by the Council in order to advise residents appropriately

Training:

Business Administrator Level 3.

Training will be delivered through a blend of workplace learning and formal off‑the‑job training.

Most training will take place at the apprentice’s normal place of work, with additional learning delivered by the training provider through college attendance, online learning, workshops, or Microsoft Teams.

Training will take place on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, with protected time during working hours to attend training sessions, complete learning activities, and prepare for assessments. 

The exact schedule will be agreed between the apprentice, line manager, and training provider as part of the individual training plan.

Training Outcome:

On successful completion of the Level 3 business administrator apprenticeship standard and review of performance, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Clerical Assistant. 

Employer Description:

Local government is a diverse and dynamic environment, built on a foundation of many different occupations working together. From frontline services to strategic planning, every role contributes to shaping communities and improving lives. It’s a place where collaboration, innovation, and public service come together to make a real difference.

At Cheshire West and Chester Council, we’re proud of our commitment to excellence and inclusion. Our achievements speak for themselves:

Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Apprentice Employer of the Year Award Gold Award – Armed Forces Covenant Disability Confident Leader Recognised as a Good Investor in People

We’re dedicated to building a stronger future where everyone plays their part in creating thriving, caring, and sustainable communities. Here, you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact. We take pride in doing things differently—delivering vital services that touch every aspect of people’s lives. Our work spans a wide range of exciting change programmes designed to tackle challenges across the borough and drive positive outcomes for all.

 

Working Hours :
This role is ‘Hybrid’ which means working from Council Hub buildings and from home. All apprenticeship training will take place during normal working hours. Discussed at interview.

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,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience