BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICE

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service
Salary: £12.60 per hour / £24,309.07 per annum. Cheshire Fire are a UK Living Wage (Living Wage Foundation) employer. Increases to hourly rates are advised by the Foundation at the beginning of November each year.
37 hours per week
Temporary – 18 month fixed term contract commencing 1/9/2025 until February 2027
Kickstart your career with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS). An exciting opportunity has arisen to join us as a Business Administration Apprentice.
This role offers hands-on experience across a range of departments.
During your apprenticeship you will rotate through key service support areas such as Communications, Finance, HR, and Service Improvement. You will also develop an awareness of our community facing departments such as Prevention and Protection, gain a broad understanding of how CFRS operates and supports the community of Cheshire, Halton, and Warrington.
We are seeking a motivated individual with a genuine interest in learning and developing their knowledge and practical skills and gaining new work experiences.

As part of this apprenticeship, you will:

• Complete a Level 3 Business Administration qualification
• Receive guidance and support from experienced colleagues
• Have dedicated time during the working week for training and coursework
• Attend Warrington and Vale Royal College one day per week for 12 weeks, from January 2026
• Be responsible for travel to and from college (with expenses covered by the Service)
• Be offered further enriched development opportunities, which includes:
• Attendance at staff engagement events: World Mental Health Day, International Women’s Day, and Cheshire Safety Day
• Familiarising with different areas of the Service; a day in the life of a firefighter, community Safe and Well visits, fire safety audits, educational Key stage 1 & 2 visits and Kings Trust programmes among others

The main purpose of this job role is to provide administrative support across Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, helping ensure the smooth and effective operation of our departments.

Your main duties will include:

• Handling telephone, email and in-person enquiries
• Maintaining accurate records and electronic filing systems
• Supporting the organisation of meetings and events.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence using Microsoft Office
• Ordering stationery, supplies and refreshments using the Service’s ordering system
• Providing a professional, customer focussed approach to both internal and external customers.
• Providing excellent customer service to internal and external contacts

If you’re enthusiastic about developing your career, keen to work in a professional and community-focused organisation, and ready to learn in a supportive environment — we encourage you to apply.

Essential requirements of the role include:

• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Experience of using Microsoft 365 applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and IT Systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and well organised with the ability to plan and prioritise own workload
• Commitment to own development to support learning and development initiatives.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Interviews will take place on Friday 18th July 2025. The apprenticeship is for 18 months and the start date is Monday 1st September 2025
To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence of competency against the requirements of the attached job description.
CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.
Further information, a full job description and application form can be found below, or alternatively contact the HR Recruitment Team at recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Please ensure you read the Application guidance notes before completing your application.
Please return completed application forms via email to recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Please quote job reference 14/25/BAA on your application form.
Closing Date for Applications: Friday 4th July 2025 12 noon.
Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations
It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. For example, in relation to disability; a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia; pregnancy; religion or belief; or injury etc. Any requests for workplace adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. For support or further information please email: recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.
Please note that internal applicants must inform their Head of Department that they are applying for the role before submitting their application.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Apprenticeship
Contract length: 18 months
Pay: £24,309.07 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Language:

• English (preferred)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 06/07/2025
Reference ID: 14/25/BAA
Expected start date: 01/09/202

Your main duties will include:

• Handling telephone, email and in-person enquiries
• Maintaining accurate records and electronic filing systems
• Supporting the organisation of meetings and events.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence using Microsoft Office
• Ordering stationery, supplies and refreshments using the Service’s ordering system
• Providing a professional, customer focussed approach to both internal and external customers.
• Providing excellent customer service to internal and external contact

Essential requirements of the role include:

• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Experience of using Microsoft 365 applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and IT Systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and well organised with the ability to plan and prioritise own workload
• Commitment to own development to support learning and development initiatives.
• Ability to work as part of a team