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UKRI; Swindon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

UKRI is offering an Executive Support Apprentice role based in Swindon. You will join the External Affairs and Communications Directorate, assisting senior leaders, arranging travel, coordinating meetings, and maintaining business information.

The apprenticeship combines hands-on work with a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification through New College Swindon. You will develop administration, organisation, and communication skills while gaining exposure to strategic communications and

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience supporting senior leaders, coordinating meetings and events, arranging travel, maintaining key business information, and helping ensure the smooth running of a busy Private Office.
• Gains essential workplace skills including administration, organisation, communication, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and professional judgement.

Responsibilities

• Support senior leaders and teams in a large public organisation.
• Coordinate meetings, events and travel arrangements to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Administrative support

Meeting coordination

Travel arrangements

Stakeholder engagement

Professional judgement

Communication skills

Organisation

Education

Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Job description

UKRI External Affairs and Communications Directorate

Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 24 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1FL

Closing Date: 23:55, Sunday 11th October 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 9th November 2026

Start Date: December 2026

Are you organised, proactive, and interested in how senior leaders and teams operate within a large public organisation?

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is seeking an Executive Support Apprentice to join the External Affairs and Communications Directorate based in Swindon. This exciting opportunity offers hands‑on experience supporting senior leaders, coordinating meetings and events, arranging travel, maintaining key business information, and helping ensure the smooth running of a busy Private Office.

As part of this role, you will work closely with experienced professionals and gain valuable insight into how strategic communications and external affairs activities are delivered across the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation. You'll develop essential workplace skills including administration, organisation, communication, stakeholder engagement, problem‑solving, and professional judgement.

Alongside your role, you will complete a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship with New College Swindon, combining practical workplace experience with structured learning and development. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain a recognised qualification while building a rewarding career in a supportive and inclusive environment.

What You'll Gain:

A Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship qualification through New College Swindon

Hands‑on experience supporting senior leaders within UKRI

Professional development and mentoring from experienced colleagues

Experience working in a high‑performing communications and external affairs environment

The opportunity to contribute to the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation

Salary of £19,514 per annum with annual increases throughout the apprenticeship

Access to UKRI employee benefits and learning opportunities

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions.

Executive Support Apprentice

Company: UKRI Salary: from £19,514 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Swindon, SN2 1FF Working pattern: On-site Job type: Apprenticeship Posting date: 16 Sept 2026 Closing date: 11 Oct 2026