Trainee Business Support Assistant (apprenticeship) (Job Number: 26000748)
Accommodation & Commercial Services
Grade 1: - £24,479 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: This position will be full-time onsite during the initial training period (at least six months) then there may be an opportuity to work hybridly one day per week.
Closing Date: 24-Jun-2026, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
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 University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here.
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.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
27 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days, a total of 39 days per year, including time off between Christmas and New Year.- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- Discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
- Onsite nursery and children’s clubs during the summer holidays.
- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues, from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
Essential Criteria
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
3. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics.
4. Experience of, or the ability to, work in a team (work or leisure-related).
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.
7. Evidence of good attention to detail.
Desirable Criteria
1. Evidence of personal development to develop and/or maintain skills.
2. Desire and willingness to take part in additional development activity.
3. Relevant work experience (paid or voluntary).
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online, and to be considered at the shortlisting stage, you will need to submit the following:
CV.- A covering letter, which demonstrates, with examples, how you meet all the criteria within the Person Specification. This can also be a provided as a separate statement.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Shaina Scotcher, Senior Business Support Administrator, [email protected], would be happy to speak to you.
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
Provide an excellent, responsive service to our staff, students and visitors, etc by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).- Learn how to use everyday equipment and applications e.g., printers, scanners, laminators, shredders, Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, etc., from more experienced colleagues.
- Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
- Learn and adhere to general health, safety and security procedures.
- Log and store routine information.
- Carry out basic administrative tasks.
- Be trained to provide administrative support to all areas within Estates and Facilities Directorate.
Teamwork
Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.- Support other team members to carry out their tasks, when asked, to deliver an excellent student, staff or visitor service.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
Communication/Personal
Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.- Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with staff, students, and visitors.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application, Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement, which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
