Administrator Apprentice, Waterton Academy trust, Cudworth, S72 8RP

Barnsley College; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Barnsley is seeking a proactive individual for an administrative support role. This position involves managing communications, coordinating contractors, and maintaining records. Candidates should have GCSE or NVQ Level 2 in Mathematics and English. Good communication, organizational skills, and a team-oriented attitude are essential. The role provides a potential pathway to full-time employment after apprenticeship completion.

Benefits

Pension

School Advisory Service Membership

Discounted Gym Membership

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible Working Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification requirements are Mathematics and English at either GCSE C or above or NVQ Level 2 or above.
• Good written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, read and prioritise incoming emails and phone calls to the Estates team.
• Act as a point of contact for contractors and suppliers regarding ongoing and scheduled works.
• Maintain accurate digital records of estates issues, contractor visits, and completed works.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Strong organisational and administrative skills

Teamworking skills

Basic IT skills

Customer service awareness

Education

Mathematics and English at either GCSE C or above or NVQ Level 2 or above

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised individual to join our team in an administrative support role. This position involves a variety of key admin duties, including managing incoming communications—reading, categorising, and responding to emails and phone calls with efficiency and professionalism.

You will also play a vital role in contractor liaison, handling correspondence, logging issues, scheduling site visits, and following up to ensure timely updates on ongoing works. This is a dynamic role suited to someone with excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Monitor, read and prioritise incoming emails and phone calls to the Estates team.
• Maintain a tidy and up-to-date inbox, ensuring timely responses or escalation where necessary.
• Draft routine correspondence and emails to internal staff and external contractors.

Contractor Liaison and Scheduling

• Act as a point of contact for contractors and suppliers regarding ongoing and scheduled works.
• Log reported site issues or repair requests accurately onto the estates tracking system.
• Book contractor visits, coordinate access with school sites, and maintain the site diary or calendar.
• Chase contractors for updates, quotes, and completion reports as required.

Record-Keeping and Systems

• Maintain accurate digital records of estates issues, contractor visits, and completed works.
• Support the estates team in managing compliance schedules (e.g. fire safety, servicing checks).
• Help track contract renewals and key maintenance deadlines.

Communication and Collaboration

• Liaise with school-based staff to gather information on premises-related issues or needs.
• Support the preparation of internal reports or summaries on estates matters.
• Work closely with the Estates and Facilities Manager and the Central Operations Team.

Learning and Development

• Take responsibility for completing apprenticeship training in line with deadlines.
• Participate in relevant training courses or meetings to support your development.

Future prospects: Potential for full time employment after successful completion of apprenticeship.

Qualifications

Minimum qualification requirements are Mathematics and English at either GCSE C or above or NVQ Level 2 or above.

Skills and Qualities

• Desired skills: Good written and verbal communication skills; Strong organisational and administrative skills; Ability to follow procedures; Teamworking skills; Basic IT skills; Customer service awareness.
• Desired qualities: Friendly, approachable, and professional with a positive attitude to work. A team player who is reliable, enthusiastic, and eager to learn, with a willingness to take initiative and support others.

Working week

37 Hours per week, Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm; Friday 8.30 - 4. Once you are established in your role there could be potential for some remote working.

Company Benefits

• Pension
• School Advisory Service Membership
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible Working Scheme

About the employer

Waterton Academy Trust is a thriving and values-led partnership of schools committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. We work across two key regions - Wakefield and Barnsley - and are proud to be seen as a trusted and collaborative presence within the wider education system.