What is a business and administration apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in business and administration is a practical, work-based route into business, project management, HR, or other similar careers. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
It's a great starting point if you want to work in the business sector. You could be managing large projects, coordinating teams, or looking for top talent, to name a few.
Career opportunities from a business and administration apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in business and administration can lead to a range of careers, including a:
- business analyst
- business or research development manager
- HR manager
- careers adviser
- project manager
- office manager
- CEO
Getting a good basis of how businesses work is also a great foundation if you want to set up your own company.
Podcast: Business and administration degree apprenticeships
Find out more about busiiness and administration with our brand new podcast on degree apprenticeships. Get all the info you need to know from our expert panel, hosted by Radio 1’s Katie Thistleton.Nicholas is a business management apprentice at PwC.
£23,925*
The average salary for a business administrator apprentice
*According to Reed, correct as of November 2022
Popular apprenticeship**
Business and admin was the 2nd most popular apprenticeship sector in the UK in 2021/22
**GOV.UK, correct as of November 2022
77,000***
Number of people starting a business and administration apprenticeship in 2021/22
GOV.UK, correct as of November 2022
When I finished school, I was really unsure on what I wanted to do…When a business administration apprenticeship came up, I was encouraged to apply. The fact I would be able to have hands-on experience and get a qualification at the same time just made sense to me. By the time I’d completed my apprenticeship, I knew I enjoyed managing projects, so my current Level 4 in project management was a natural progression.
When we’re looking for our apprentices, there really isn’t a specific type of person, or specific skill set we’re looking for. Instead, it’s about recognising people with ambition and a determination to succeed... Our role is to support our apprentices, professionally and emotionally, and ensure we’re equipping them with the expertise and skills to make a difference in their career. It really is an exciting time to become an apprentice.
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Pros and cons
Pros
- You’ll be at the core of how the business works.
- You can move into lots of different areas.
- You’ll gain lots of key business skills.
Cons
- It’s desk-based, so may not suit you if you’re looking for something more outdoorsy or hands-on.
- You need to balance working and studying, which can be hard with a full-time job.
- Business apprenticeships are very popular, so it can be competitive.
Who would suit an apprenticeship in business and administration?
You might be interested in a business and administration apprenticeship if you:
- are interested in the ways businesses work
- like the idea of managing projects or people
- are entrepreneurial and are interested in starting your own business
You might be a good fit for a business apprenticeship if you:
- are organised
- are a good communicator
- can meet deadlines
- are proactive
- can work well in a team
Zara is a business and administration apprentice at Walsall Council.
Browse employers
Check out which employers are currently hiring apprenticeships in the business sector, from the likes of PwC to Lloyds Bank or Jaguar Land Rover.
Browse employers
FAQs about business and administration apprenticeships
How do business apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, depending on the type you do.
How long is an apprenticeship in business?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.
What is the salary for an apprentice in business?
The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour.
I always knew I wanted a career with PwC so the fact they offered a business management apprenticeship ticked all the boxes for me. As a mum of one and foster carer to two boys, I was a little worried I might struggle with working, studying, and being mum, but I actually feel less under pressure now than I did at full-time university. It does take some strict time management of course, but it’s completely doable because I’m surrounded by brilliant support from Ulster University and PwC.
Search for business and administration apprenticeships
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