Apprentice Business Support Officer

Business Support:

Provide administrative support to Council officers, as and when required. Open and stamp post, and frank and record outgoing post. Compose standard letters/emails. To assist with the filing and archiving of Council documents, as directed by senior officers, including handling the deletion of data in line with GDPR.  Order stationery and monitor stock levels. Prepare cash floats, and process and input cash sheets. Receive payments for hire of facilities and any other payments made at the office. Assist with basic finance functions, such as the reconciliation of income Monitor levels of forms and information leaflets, printing further copies as required. Coordinate arrangements for and supervise work experience students and volunteers in the Council officers, completing all required documentation and reports.

Reception Desk / Customer Contact:

Cover the council office reception desk and telephone lines during opening hours (9am - 12pm / 1pm - 4.30pm (Mon-Thu) & 4pm (Fri)), being the first point of contact for visitors or telephone callers to the Council. Manage the council’s Admin inbox, responding to enquiries / forwarding emails to relevant officers as necessary. Coordinate requests for memorial plaques / benches / trees, working with the Amenities Manager to fulfil these. Meet with prospective hirers to discuss requirements and give tours of Council premises, where required.

Communications & Marketing:

Assist with the running of the council’s social media accounts, including designing and scheduling posts. Monitor and collate a record of press coverage relating to the council Assist with the design and production of marketing materials, including posters and signage Support the publication of press releases and news items on the Council’s website Provide support for the organising of the council’s public events Maintain the council’s noticeboards Assist the Communications & Events Manager in any other way they deem required to support the council’s marketing and communications functions

Other Information:

Carry out all duties whilst ensuring the Health and Safety of resources within the post holder’s responsibility, ensuring that personal responsibilities of Health and Safety, as laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act, are followed. Maintain the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality. Maintain the standards of service set by the Council. Commit to Woodley Town Council’s inclusivity policy and values, treating colleagues and customers with dignity and respect.

Training:

You will attend 1x face to face lesson at Chiltern Training, once a month. The rest of your time will be spent working in your placement gaining hands on experience in the sector.

(5th Floor, One Valpy, 20 Valpy Street, Reading RG1 1AR).

Training Outcome:
Upon completion of your Business Administration apprenticeship and with experience in this sector, you could progress from business support officer to supervisor or office manager. You could also move into other departments, like IT, payroll, or accounting. With further training, you could specialise in an area like legal, financial, or medical administration, become a personal assistant or executive officer. 

Employer Description:
As the town has grown so have the services provided by the Town Council. The Town Council is responsible for a number of parks and open spaces, play areas, allotments, community halls, street lighting and bus shelters, planning consultation, The Oakwood Centre, including the Alan Cornish Theatre, and Woodford Park Leisure Centre. The Council also gives grants to local community organisations and individuals and represents residents on wider issues.

Working Hours :
Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Initiative,Interpersonal skills,Tact,Competent Microsoft user