Executive Support Apprentice — Private Office (Flexible Hours)

UKRI International; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary progression

Defined benefit pension

30 days leave + holidays

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering an Executive Support Apprentice role in Swindon, providing direct support to senior leaders within the External Affairs and Communications Directorate. The apprenticeship runs for 18–21 months with full training and progression built in, including a work-based improvement project and End Point Assessment.

You will gain hands-on experience in prioritisation, communication, and coordination, supported throughout to understand how a major public

Qualifications

• Essential: Minimum of two GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications).
• Essential: Good written and verbal communication skills (S/I).
• Essential: Strong organisational and time management skills (S/I).
• Essential: Ability to work proactively as part of a team (S/I).
• Essential: IT skills, including Outlook, Word and Teams (S).
• Essential: Interest in the work of UKRI and communications within the organisation (S/I).

Responsibilities

• Support Deputy Directors of Communication by helping to manage diaries and schedule meetings, visits and events.
• Work with Private Secretaries to prepare senior leaders for commitments and prioritise effectively.
• Arrange domestic and international travel with internal/external partners.
• Help maintain the team’s SharePoint site and keep documents and resources organised.
• Assist with risk management, corporate compliance, and directorate-wide activities.
• Contribute to planning and delivery of team events, including Away Days.
• Support colleagues to ensure the Private Office operates smoothly and professionally.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organisational and time management

Teamwork

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Interest in UKRI

Education

GCSE Maths and English (C/4 or above)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering an Executive Support Apprentice role in Swindon, providing direct support to senior leaders within the External Affairs and Communications Directorate. The apprenticeship runs for 18–21 months with full training and progression built in, including a work-based improvement project and End Point Assessment.

You will gain hands-on experience in prioritisation, communication, and coordination, supported throughout to understand how a major public