Business Administration Apprentice - Surrey Virtual School

Surrey County Council; Horsell; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a Business Administration Apprentice to support the Surrey Virtual School. This 24-month apprenticeship is specifically for care leavers, offering paid training and the opportunity to develop essential administrative skills. The ideal candidate will work with a dedicated team to improve educational outcomes for children and young people. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 days after 5 years

Paid learning opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to lifestyle discounts

Potential government bursary for care leavers

Qualifications

• Must be a Surrey care leaver or looked-after child.
• Willingness to learn and develop administrative skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and delivery of training events.
• Manage training inbox and assist with event facilitation.
• Create communications for internal and external partners.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Job description

Business Administration Apprentice - Surrey Virtual School

Details

• Reference: SCC/TP/288818/3507
• Positions: 1
• Salary: £23,322 per annum
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Working hours: 36 hours per week
• Posted on: 4 August 2025
• Closing date: 31 August 2025
• Location: Victoria Gate, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6JD

Description

This role has a starting salary of £23,322 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. It is a 24-month fixed-term apprenticeship.

We are recruiting a Business Administrator Level 3 Apprentice for Surrey Virtual School at Surrey County Council.

This apprenticeship is ring-fenced for Surrey care leavers, reflecting Surrey Virtual School's commitment to securing high-quality education, employment, and training for care-experienced young people. The team is specifically looking for a looked-after child or care leaver to join us, with experience accessing services like emotional wellbeing, mental health, additional needs/disabilities, or social care services.

We support apprentices over two years to prepare them for employment or further education.

Are you care experienced and looking to start your career? Join us to improve outcomes for Surrey's children, young people, carers, and families!

As a Surrey care leaver, you can view the Surrey local offer for care leavers or speak to your Care Leavers' Service adviser to learn about available support.

Rewards and Benefits

• Paid learning to develop your talents
• 26 days' holiday (pro-rated), rising to 28 days after 2 years and 31 days after 5 years
• Option to buy up to 10 additional days
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption, and dependents leave
• Local government pension scheme
• Lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping, etc.)
• 2 paid volunteering days annually
• Access to learning resources and CPD days
• Potential government bursary of £3,000 for care leavers

About Us

The Surrey Virtual School (SVS) works with schools, social workers, carers, and services to improve educational outcomes for looked after children, previously looked after children, children with social workers, and those in kinship care. A 'Virtual School' consolidates educational information for children cared for by the local authority, regardless of location. Learn more on our website.

You will join a dedicated team committed to supporting children's education. Our office is in Woking, with a split of office and home working, including opportunities at Weybridge and Reigate hubs.

About Your Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship offers broad experience, preparing you for future success. You will:

• Support planning, advertising, and evaluating training and events
• Manage training inbox and assist with delivery, including welcoming attendees and facilitating sessions
• Develop communications for internal staff and external partners
• Create content for the SVS website and promotional materials
• Support with special events and activities over time

You will undergo an induction, with increasing responsibilities as you gain confidence. Training is delivered by Surrey Adult Learning, with monthly workshops and regular assessments. You will work approximately 4 days on the job and 1 day studying, equivalent to 2 A-Levels.

We aim to support your career growth beyond the apprenticeship, fostering long-term employment within SCC.

Application Questions

Instead of a CV, answer these questions:

• What excites you about this apprenticeship?
• Describe a time you learned something new outside of formal education. What challenges did you face?
• Tell us about a team project you contributed to. How did you overcome obstacles?
• What are 3 key considerations when planning effective communication for social care staff and education partners?

This apprenticeship is only for those not enrolled in another government-funded program as of 1st September 2025 and without a higher or equivalent qualification in the same subject. Contact [e-mail] for questions about eligibility. If you lack GCSEs in English and Maths (grades A-C or 4-9), you will need to complete these alongside the apprenticeship, with support provided.

Contact Us

For questions about the role, flexible working, transferable skills, or barriers to employment.

The application closes at 23:59 on 31/08/2025, with interviews in September 2025. We look forward to your application—please click the apply button below.

Our Values

Our values are central to us. Learn more on our website. We recommend reading the job description and our 'Life at Surrey' handbook to understand our culture and your potential role in shaping it.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for local government reorganisation, which will create new unitary councils by April 2027. This role will transfer to the new council(s) with existing terms and conditions.