Government funding range for smaller employers for training costs.
Estimated yearly gain per apprentice for UK employers.
Employers say apprenticeships boost staff motivation and satisfaction.
Employers say apprenticeships help develop skills directly relevant to their organisation.
*Funding ranges and employer impact statistics are based on UK Government data on apprenticeship benefits and funding.
Who is this apprenticeship for?
- SMEs that want to boost operational support
- Corporate organisations building internal talent pipelines
- Public sector and local authorities
- Professional services firms
- Healthcare, education, and third-sector organisations
- Employers hiring new administrative talent or upskilling current staff
Why Invest in a Business Administrator Apprenticeship?
Grow your own talent instead of hiring and retraining often.
Enhance administrative processes to boost business performance.
Establish clear paths to senior administrative or supervisory roles.
What Does the Apprenticeship Include?
This apprenticeship combines structured training with practical workplace experience.
Training follows the Level 3 Business Administrator standard, with a dedicated Learning Coach to keep your apprentice on track. Pitman manages onboarding and ongoing programme administration, reducing the workload on your organisation.
Programme Duration: Typically 12 Months
You’ll deliver a workplace induction while we deliver a programme induction.
You’ll confirm job duties and which real work will be used for learning. We’ll create a training plan.
You’ll provide and supervise suitable paralegal work and protected learning time. We’ll deliver the learning sessions.
We’ll run progress reviews which you’ll join. We’ll track progress and update the training plan.
We’ll work with you to ensure the apprentice is ready for final assessment.
We’ll arrange the final assessment and manage the certification process.
How to Get Started
1
Speak with our Apprenticeship Advisor
2
Confirm eligibility and funding route
3
Recruit or enrol your apprentice
4
Begin structured onboarding and training
Our team manages compliance, funding paperwork and programme setup, ensuring a smooth start for both.
Business Administrator Apprenticeship FAQs for Employers
What is a business administrator apprenticeship and how does it work for employers?
A business administrator apprenticeship is a structured apprenticeship training programme that allows employers to develop administrative talent while employees gain recognised qualifications.
Apprentices combine real work with formal training, building practical skills in communication, organisation, IT systems, and business operations, all aligned to your business needs.
How is apprenticeship training funded for employers?
Apprenticeship training is government-funded, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to develop your workforce.
- Levy-paying employers use their apprenticeship levy funds
- Non-levy employers typically receive up to 95% government funding
- Additional incentives may apply depending on eligibility
Upcoming changes (subject to change August 2026):
- Levy funds may expire after 12 months (currently 24 months)
- Once levy funds are used, employers may contribute 25% of training costs
- Non-levy employers may receive 100% funding for apprentices up to age 25
These changes are designed to encourage wider adoption of apprenticeship training, particularly for younger learners.
What skills will a business administrator apprentice develop?
Apprentices develop practical, job-ready skills that directly improve business performance, including:
- Managing records, data, and documentation
- Using IT systems and business software
- Communicating with teams and stakeholders
- Planning and prioritising workloads
- Supporting projects and operations
- Understanding compliance, GDPR, and regulations
How long does a business administrator apprenticeship take?
The programme typically runs for 12 to 18 months, including structured training and final assessment.
Apprentices contribute to your business throughout, not just at the end.
What is expected from employers during the apprenticeship?
Employer involvement is essential to success. You will:
- Provide relevant workplace experience
- Support learning during working hours
- Engage in regular progress tracking
A key responsibility is participation in tripartite reviews, structured progress meetings between the employer, apprentice, and training provider.
What are tripartite reviews and why are they important?
Tripartite reviews are formal progress meetings involving:
- The employer
- The apprentice
- The training provider
They ensure:
- Training aligns with real job responsibilities
- Progress is measured and documented
- Any gaps are addressed early
- The apprentice delivers real value to your business
Active participation in tripartite reviews is a core part of the employer’s role and directly impacts apprenticeship success.
Can we use apprenticeship training to upskill existing staff?
Yes, apprenticeship training is widely used to upskill existing employees, not just new hires.
This allows you to:
- Strengthen internal capability
- Improve retention
- Build clear progression pathways
How does apprenticeship training reduce recruitment costs?
Apprenticeship training helps you build talent internally, reducing:
- Recruitment spend
- Time-to-hire
- Skills mismatches
You develop employees who are trained specifically for your business from day one.
How much time do apprentices spend in training?
Apprentices spend a minimum of 20% of their working hours in structured training.
This is planned around business needs to ensure minimal disruption and maximum impact.
Do employers need to manage compliance and administration?
No, we manage:
- Funding and paperwork
- Programme setup
- Progress tracking
- Assessment coordination
You focus on the apprentice’s role within your business, we handle the rest.
Why Choose Pitman?
97.3%
Improved workforce capability
71%
Career progression rate
98.2%
Learner satisfaction
