Business Administrator – Apprentice
Business Administrator – Apprentice
Job Description
About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?
Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join our team: Business Administrator - apprentice
*** Start date: September 2026
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Our apprenticeship programmes help preserve essential skills and develop tomorrow’s experts. We welcome new talent with fresh ideas and in return offer real responsibility, structured learning, and long‑term progression.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37 hour, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is home-based with an assigned local hub for collaborative working. You should feel comfortable working independently for the majority of the week, with support available when needed.
As part of the apprenticeship, we want to make sure you feel supported and have opportunities for in‑person learning. While the role offers flexibility, we ask that apprentices are able to attend one of our hubs when needed for meetings, training, and general support.
Your main hub would be Pipers Cottage (Mini Hub), Red Bull, Kidsgrove, ST7 3AJ, which is close to a train station and easily accessible. You won’t be expected to be there every day—we’ll agree a pattern that works for you—but being able to travel to the hub is important so we can give you the best experience and guidance.
Role Overview
As a Business Administration Apprentice, you’ll play a key role in supporting our Direct Services team. You’ll handle a variety of day‑to‑day administrative tasks that help us keep waterways open and communities connected.
Key responsibilities
- Provide efficient and professional administration support including managing inboxes and correspondence, preparing documents and dealing with confidential information.
- Update databases and trackers ensuring accuracy, gathering information for audits and compliance.
- Deliver technical administration using specialist knowledge to produce high‑quality, accurate work.
- Respond professionally to enquiries from customers and stakeholders, working with colleagues, contractors, and volunteers to support daily operations
- Demonstrate and promote the Trust’s values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice.
Training & Development
- You will work towards the Level 3 Business Administratorapprenticeship with one of our expert training providers. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience -https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0070-v1-0
- The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long-term career prospects.
About You
- You don’t need any prior experience - we’ll teach you everything you need. What matters is you have a genuine interest in business support, organisation, and helping teams deliver great work.
- You communicate clearly in writing and in person, pay attention to detail and feel comfortable working both independently and in a team. You’ll ideally have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.
Apprentice story: Jake joined us straight after sixth form as an Apprentice PA, completed his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, and has since progressed to an Assistant Framework Contract Manager where he supports audits, reporting and site visits on nationally important contracts. See more here: Jake's Story (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/apprenticeships/stories-from-our-apprentices/jakes-story)
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1 ( https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1)
Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits
Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us