Skills Centre Business Administrator Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: 19514 per annum(rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term 24 months
Hours: Full-time 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Campus Didcot OX11 0QX
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
Start Date: September 2026

Are you interested in joining a team thatrecruits and shapes the early careers talentacross STFCThe STFC Skills Centre Team are looking for anenthusiastic and well organised person to support theteamand the Head of STFC Skills Centrebased at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.

TheSkills CentreTeamdeliver STFCs successfulApprenticeshipGraduate Industrial PlacementandSummer Placement Programmes whichhasup to350early careers staffon programme at any timeacross five STFC sites in the early careers staff are helping to shape and inform some of the most exciting andcutting-edgeinnovation and researchbeing delivered globally.

We need someone with great attention to detail who can help coordinate programme activities and provide key admin support to the Head of Skills Centre. Ifyourekeen to make a real impact and support the next generation of talentwedlove to hear from you!

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

Were looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice youll gain real-world experience build technical and professional skills and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic supportive environment.

Youll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator structured training practical experience and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus youll have access to workshops a peer network and career development support helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Why join the Skills Centre Team at STFC

Our core purpose is to attract develop andretainearly careers talent to meet strategic prioritiesprovideemployee upskilling opportunities through apprenticeships and support STFC co-supervised PhD students. The team based attheRutherford Appleton Laboratory Oxfordand DaresburyLaboratory Warringtonprovide pastoral line management and development support to STFCs apprenticesstudentsand graduates across all Skills Centre

Team are central to ensuringSTFCsearlycareers talent pipeline is successful and of the highest closely with key stakeholders across the organisation we deliver programmes key to STFCs strategic workforce planningand critical delivery for some of the worlds most exciting research& innovation projects. We supportour early careercohortswith skill development through carefully designed core training programmesworking in an opensupportive andcollaborative style in which ideasandcreativity are encouraged.

The business administratorapprenticeisa key role in whichdiscretionand reliabilityare essential to managing sensitive information supporting colleagues and ensuring the smooth operation of the Skills Centre.

Qualifications gained

Business Administrator -Business administrator / Skills England

Level 3 Business Administrator ApprenticeshipBusiness Administration - Abingdon & Witney College

What youll learn

Objectives covered:

• Understands organisational purpose activities aims values vision for the futureresourcesand the way that the political/economic environment affects the organisation.
• Knows organisational structure anddemonstratesunderstanding of how their workbenefitsthe organisation. Knows how they fit within their team and recognises how their skills can help them to progress their career.
• Has a practical knowledge of managing stakeholders and their differing relationships to an organisation. This includes internal and external customersclientsand/or suppliers. Liaises with internal/external customerssuppliersor stakeholders from inside or outside the UK. Engages and fosters relationships with suppliers and partner organisations.
• Understands laws and regulations that apply to their role including data protection health & safety compliance etc. Supports the company in applying the regulations.
• Understands the organisations internal policies and key business policies relating to sector.
• Understands the applicability of business principles such as managing change businessfinancesand project management.

Training provider

As part of yourLevel 3 Business Administration apprenticeship you will engage in structured professional development and training through a combination of online learning and 10 days of in-person teaching at Abingdon & Witney College scheduled between September and December.

You will complete 12 formal assessments and receive dedicated support to develop the required skills and behaviours for your apprenticeship. This will include building a comprehensive portfolio of evidence and completing a work-based project both of which are essential for your Independent End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA will consistofknowledge testportfolio-based interview&project/improvement presentation

More information is available via:

Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Business Administration - Abingdon & Witney College

What Youll Be Doing Day-to-day responsibilities

Main duties/responsibilities will include:

• Shared responsibility forsharedinboxes including replyingin a timely manner answering queriesandmaintainingaccurateand easily accessible records
• Coordinating and organising training for early career staff
• Support with the organisation ofmeetingsin a timely manner including booking venues travelequipmentandtaking alead onminute-takingwhere necessary
• Maintainingaccuratetraining records
• Work with the Talent & Attraction Team to support annual recruitmentand marketingcampaigns
• Lead on creating an alumni network for the STFC Graduate Programme
• Support the Head of Skills Centre with a range of tasks and project work

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

We are looking for the following:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
• Able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues and key contacts(I)
• Excellent communication skills when liaising with colleagues and key stakeholders (S&I)
• Good at keeping multiple tasks on track and getting things done on time(S&I)
• Confident using a computer especially tools like Word ExcelPowerPointand Outlook (S)

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2026 we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
• When applying for an apprenticeship there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include as an attachment your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

We will be in touch after the closing date however please reach out on if you have any questions.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For a list of our full benefits please visithere.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

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