Trainee Business Support Assistant (apprenticeship) - Durham

Trainee Business Support Assistant (apprenticeship) - Durham

Job Title : Trainee Business Support Assistant

(development role)

Department : Estates and Facilities

Accommodation and Commercial Services

Grade: Grade 1

Salary range: 24,479

Working arrangements: Full time (35 hours per week)

Permanent

Five days from seven, primarily Monday to Friday, including day release at College to study for an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration

Covering between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm

May be required to work evenings and weekends, as business demands

Possible hybrid working one day per week, following completion of induction/training (at least six month-period), depending on business needs

Closing date: Wednesday 24th June 2026

The Role and Department

The Trainee Business Support Assistant role provides an excellent apprenticeship opportunity for someone seeking to develop a career in business administration.

You will learn how to undertake a wide range of administrative duties that support the Estates and Facilities Directorate, contributing to the delivery of essential services and the achievement of strategic objectives across the wider University. This will include tasks such as photocopying, processing mail, maintaining accurate records, answering telephone enquiries and supporting ordering processes. With training and guidance, you will also build confidence using office equipment and digital systems including Microsoft 365, Teams and SharePoint, ensuring information is recorded and managed effectively.

Working under the direction of more experienced colleagues, you will develop a strong understanding of procedures, service standards, and health and safety requirements. You will take a proactive approach to learning, demonstrating enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to continuous improvement. As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to delivering a responsive, high-quality service to staff, students and visitors, while upholding the University's values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and citizenship.

This is a development role , and you will develop administrative support skills. You will undertake a development programme, leading to a formal NVQ Level 3 qualification in Business Administration. The qualification will form part of a development plan focusing on the requirements of the Grade 2 (Business Support Assistant) and Grade 3 (Senior Business Support Assistant) roles, while also considering your individual needs. It is anticipated that the development role will be over a two-year period and progress will be regularly reviewed against agreed outputs in your development plan; however, it may be extended if the University considers it necessary.

If you are unable to meet the full requirements and performance levels at the end of the development process, you may be retained at the lower grade.

The Estates and Facilities Directorate provides a range of essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the various campuses.