Apprentice - Business Administration CEO Support

West of England Combined Authorities; Bristol; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave, plus bank hols

Hybrid working options

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid, flexible working

Job summary

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting an Apprentice - Business Administration CEO Support in Bristol for a 2-year fixed-term contract starting November 2026. The role offers a funded apprenticeship, paid experience, and mentoring in a supportive public sector environment.

You will provide admin support to the Senior CEO Executive Assistant, manage diary, coordinate meetings, and liaise with internal teams and external partners, while developing professional skills

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
• Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above.
• Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment.
• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent).
• Good organisational and time management skills, with a reliable and professional approach.
• A positive attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn and develop.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and proactive administrative support to the Senior CEO Executive Assistant helping to ensure priorities, actions and key activities are organised and delivered effectively.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, senior leaders, external stakeholders and partner organisations, supporting effective communication and collaborative working.
• Manage and respond to enquiries on behalf of the Senior CEO Executive Assistant via telephone, face‑to‑face, written and digital communication channels and ensuring responses are accurate, timely and professional.
• Support the management of the CEO’s diary, including arranging meetings, coordinating availability, preparing agendas and papers, and ensuring appropriate follow‑up actions are completed.
• Organise meetings, events and executive activities, including preparing documentation, taking accurate minutes, maintaining action logs and monitoring agreed actions through to completion.
• Prepare, format and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations, briefing documents and other information required by the Senior CEO Executive Assistant
• Maintain accurate records, files and information systems, ensuring confidential and sensitive information is handled appropriately and in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Support the Senior CEO Executive Assistant with the coordination and tracking of key projects, priorities and deadlines, working across teams to obtain information and resolve issues where appropriate.
• Use initiative and sound judgement when managing day‑to‑day tasks, recognizing when matters can be dealt with independently and when advice or escalation to a more experienced colleague is required.
• Take ownership of allocated tasks from initiation through to completion, effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Develop strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate a professional, confident and courteous approach when working with colleagues, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and ways of working, making constructive suggestions that consider the wider impact on colleagues, stakeholders and the organisation.
• Maintain a proactive approach to personal and professional development, seeking opportunities to build knowledge, skills and confidence in executive administration and business support.
• Support the Senior CEO Executive Assistant in maintaining effective communication and follow‑up across the organisation, helping to ensure that key messages, decisions and actions are clearly recorded and progressed.

Skills

Good communication

Basic IT skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs incl English & Maths

A Levels or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol

Apprentice - Business Administration CEO Support

Job Reference MCA/TP/12590/1267_LT

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Fixed Term/Full Time - 37 hours per week

Working Hours:

37

Location:

70 Redcliff Street, Bristol

Closing Date:

05/10/2026

Job Category:

HR & Organisational Development

Region / Division:

UK Region

Business Unit:

Operations

Job Introduction

Ready to start your career and make a real impact?

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting enthusiastic apprentices aged 18 - 21 years old who are looking to start their career moving from education into the workplace to join our team and help shape the future of our region. If you’re looking for a chance to earn, learn and grow in a supportive public‑sector environment, this is your moment.

Why join the MCA?

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, you'll be part of the work shaping the future of our region. From improving transport and supporting greener communities to creating opportunities for local people, you'll contribute to projects that make a real difference. You'll see the impact of your work in the communities around you while building valuable skills for your future.

What you'll get

• A fully funded apprenticeship qualification
• Paid, hands‑on experience in a supportive public sector organisation
• Training, mentoring and opportunities to develop your career
• A welcoming workplace where we value being Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Confident and Innovative
• The chance to make a positive impact across the West of England

This is a 2 year fixed term contract starting November 2026.

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic people who are ready to learn, work as part of a team and commit to completing their apprenticeship. You'll also need:

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above, (or the equivalent qualification)

Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment

• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
• Good organisational and time management skills, with a reliable and professional approach
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop

The ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best

Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

If you're reliable, enthusiastic and ready for your next step, we'd love to hear from you OR If you're ready to learn new skills, build your experience and make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

• Provide professional and proactive administrative support to the Senior CEO Executive Assistant helping to ensure priorities, actions and key activities are organised and delivered effectively.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, senior leaders, external stakeholders and partner organisations, supporting effective communication and collaborative working.
• Manage and respond to enquiries on behalf of the Senior CEO Executive Assistant via telephone, face‑to‑face, written and digital communication channels and ensuring responses are accurate, timely and professional.
• Support the management of the CEO’s diary, including arranging meetings, coordinating availability, preparing agendas and papers, and ensuring appropriate follow‑up actions are completed.
• Organise meetings, events and executive activities, including preparing documentation, taking accurate minutes, maintaining action logs and monitoring agreed actions through to completion.
• Prepare, format and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations, briefing documents and other information required by the Senior CEO Executive Assistant
• Maintain accurate records, files and information systems, ensuring confidential and sensitive information is handled appropriately and in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Support the Senior CEO Executive Assistant with the coordination and tracking of key projects, priorities and deadlines, working across teams to obtain information and resolve issues where appropriate.
• Use initiative and sound judgement when managing day‑to‑day tasks, recognizing when matters can be dealt with independently and when advice or escalation to a more experienced colleague is required.
• Take ownership of allocated tasks from initiation through to completion, effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Develop strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate a professional, confident and courteous approach when working with colleagues, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and ways of working, making constructive suggestions that consider the wider impact on colleagues, stakeholders and the organisation.
• Maintain a proactive approach to personal and professional development, seeking opportunities to build knowledge, skills and confidence in executive administration and business support.
• Support the Senior CEO Executive Assistant in maintaining effective communication and follow‑up across the organisation, helping to ensure that key messages, decisions and actions are clearly recorded and progressed.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based ina new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real differenceto the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days ofpaid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We followa hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success byprovidinga diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The annual salary for this role is £26,403 - £27,694. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro‑ra for part‑time . We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Good Employment Charter https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail] . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply.If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.