Business Support Officer Apprentice (Level 1)

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council invites applications for two Business Support Officer Apprentices within the HR & Payroll Support Team. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in administration, data management, and payroll processes while studying toward a qualification.

You will work with experienced colleagues, handle queries, maintain records, and support recruitment and payroll administration. A positive attitude, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in office administration or similar is desirable.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, with good written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality administrative support to the HR & Payroll Support Team.
• Manage shared mailboxes and respond to routine enquiries.
• Maintain electronic records and ensure information is up to date.
• Prepare letters and documents; support recruitment, HR and payroll processes.

Skills

Administration

Customer service

Data management

Teamwork

Job description

About the role

Are you organised, eager to learn, and looking to start a rewarding career in administration, HR, and payroll?

We have an exciting opportunity for two Business Support Officer Apprentices to join our HR & Payroll Support Team. This role is ideal for someone who wants to develop valuable business administration skills while gaining practical experience in a busy and supportive team.

About the Role

As a Business Support Officer Apprentice, you will provide high-quality administrative support to the HR & Payroll Support Team, helping to ensure the smooth delivery of services to employees and managers across the organisation.

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will develop skills in administration, customer service, data management, and business support while completing an apprenticeship qualification.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing general administrative support to the HR & Payroll Support team
• Managing shared mailboxes and responding to routine enquiries
• Maintaining electronic records and ensuring information is accurate and up to date
• Preparing letters and documents
• Supporting recruitment, HR, and payroll administration processes
• Liaising professionally with colleagues, managers, and external organisations
• Handling sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Supporting team projects and service improvements

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Is keen to learn and develop new skills
• Has good attention to detail and accuracy
• Possesses strong organisational skills
• Can communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Is able to work as part of a team and independently when required
• Can manage their workload and meet deadlines
• Is able to maintain confidentiality

What We Offer

• A recognised apprenticeship qualification
• Structured training and development opportunities
• Support from experienced HR and Payroll professionals
• Opportunities to build a career
• A welcoming and inclusive working environment

Further Information

This is a fixed term position for 18 months from start date, linked to the completion of the apprenticeship.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.