Job Title: Business Administration Apprentice - Children's Services
Salary: National Minimum Wage for Age Group
Contract Type: Apprenticeship - 21 months
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Training Provider: South Essex College

About the Department

The Children Looked After Service is dedicated to supporting and safeguarding children and young people who are in the care of the Local Authority. Its primary goals are to ensure their safety, promote stability and wellbeing, and provide opportunities for positive outcomes in education, health, and personal development. The service works closely with carers, social workers, and partner agencies to deliver a coordinated and child-centred approach.

About the Role

This apprenticeship would suit someone looking for a career in Business Administration and an interest in Social Care. Entry requirements are at least 4 GCSEs with English and Maths being at Grade 4 - 9 (or A*- D) or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English.

The successful applicant would study a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Level 3 provided by South Essex College. You will be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities and support to meet the standards for this level.

The Business Administration Apprentice plays a key role within this service by providing essential administrative and organisational support to the team. This helps ensure that processes run smoothly, records are accurate, and professionals have the information they need to deliver effective support. As part of the wider organisation, the role contributes to maintaining high standards of service delivery and supports the overall aim of improving the lives of children and young people in care.

As a Business Administration Apprentice, you will be responsible for:

Providing day-to-day administrative support to the Children Looked After Team, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintaining and updating electronic records and case management systems, ensuring information is accurate, secure, and compliant with data protection requirements.
Supporting the organisation of meetings, panels, reviews, and appointments, including sending invitations, preparing agendas, and taking minutes where required.
Handling incoming and outgoing communications, including emails, telephone enquiries, and post.
Working collaboratively with colleagues, carers, and partner agencies to ensure effective coordination of services.
Managing and organising filing systems (both electronic and paper-based) in line with organisational policies.
Providing general office support, including scanning, photocopying, and data entry.
Maintaining confidentiality at all times, particularly when handling sensitive information relating to children and families.
Actively engaging in learning and development opportunities as part of the apprenticeship.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

Is a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Has good organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
Has attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
Has basic IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Has an ability to work both as part of a team and independently when required.

DBS Check: Not Required for this post

Benefits of Working with Us

In return you will receive regular support and ongoing training opportunities.

Apprenticeship study will be undertaken within normal working hours. Time will be allocated to attend training and complete assignments, workbooks, online training etc. as required by the qualification.

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Generous annual leave entitlement
Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
Ongoing training and professional development
Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
Staff discounts and local offers
A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 15th June 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 28th June 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Joanna Eve - Business Support Supervisor

JEve@thurrock.gov.uk

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council

Thurrock Council

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