COURSE

L3 Business Administrator

Business administrators have a highly transferable set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied in all sectors. This includes individuals working in small and large businesses alike ranging from the public, private and charitable organisations. The role may involve working independently or as part of a team, focusing on developing, implementing, maintaining and improving administrative services. Business administrators develop key skills and behaviours to support their progression towards management responsibilities.

The responsibility of the business administrator involves supporting and engaging with different parts of the organisation and interacting with internal or external customers. The flexibility and responsiveness required allow the apprentice to develop a wide range of skills.

Job Roles suitable for this qualification

Examples of job roles this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are:

  • Established Administrator
  • Senior Administrator
  • Data Analyst
  • Customer Service Advisor
  • Team Leader and Supervisor
  • Senior Finance Administrator
  • Senior Project Administrator

Entry Requirements

  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.

Duration

The qualification usually takes around 12 – 18 months (excl. 3 months EPA period). However, it is possible to complete earlier depending on the existing achievements and individual circumstances. This can be discussed with your tutor. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

Aims of this qualification

The aim of this qualification is to support the apprentice’s understanding of the 3 key areas covering the  following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs):

Knowledge Skills Behaviours
  • The organisation
  • IT
  • Professionalism
  • Value of their skills
  • Record and document production
  • Personal qualities
  • Stakeholders
  • Decision making
  • Managing performance
  • Relevant regulation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Adaptability
  • Policies
  • Communications
  • Responsibility
  • Business fundamentals
  • Quality
  • Processes
  • Planning and organisation
  • External factors
  • Project management

 

On-Programme Learning/Delivery

On-programme assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.

Apprentices will be allocated a qualified tutor to support the full completion of the apprenticeship and prepare them for the end-point assessment (sometimes 2 tutors will be required at different times for teaching different elements). The tutor will undertake engaging and interactive teaching, learning and support sessions with the apprentice on a regular basis (at least every 4-5 weeks), either remotely via Microsoft Teams or in the workplace if appropriate, to conduct teaching, learning and assessments. These will be planned with the apprentice and employer.

The tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their tutor in between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.

Learning Outcomes

  • Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English (if not exempt)
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in maths (if not exempt)

Assessment Gateway

Before the apprentice is adjudged ready to undertake the end-point assessment by their employer and training provider, they will need to:

  • achieve the Business Administrator Standard
  • complete Portfolio of learning
  • complete 2 x units of the Level 3 Diploma
  • complete Level 2 Functional Skills in maths (if not exempt)
  • complete Level 2 Functional Skills in English (if not exempt)

The purpose of the end-point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.

The end-point assessment:

  • provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship.
  • enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work.
  • tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.

End-Point Assessment

An end-point assessment will be conducted by an approved independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR).

The end-point assessment will comprise three assessments. All assessments must be individually passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent:

    • Knowledge Test:

    The apprentice undertakes a 60-minute online knowledge test which includes 50 multi-choice questions. The test predominantly focuses on non-organisation specific knowledge outlined in the standard. This includes relevant regulation and laws, business fundamentals and project management principles.

    Grading for Knowledge Test: Pass/Distinction

    • Portfolio-based Interview:

    The interview is for 30-45 minutes and is graded by the independent End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The Portfolio of Learning provides a structure for this conversation. The Portfolio should provide at least one piece of evidence for each of the minimum KSBs outlined for this assessment method, and an evidence of a practical observation completed by the employer.

    Grading for Portfolio-based Interview Pass/Distinction

    • Project Presentation:

    The apprentice delivers a presentation to the EPAO on a project they have completed or a process they have improved. The presentation should highlight key skills such as planning and organisation, project management, quality and decision-making. The presentation is expected to be produced using Microsoft Office PowerPoint or Prezi, demonstrating a minimum level of IT skills. The presentation lasts 10-15 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute Q&A session.

    Grading for Project Presentation: Pass/Distinction

    Overall apprenticeship standard grade: Pass/Distinction

    Progression routes

    The administration role may be a gateway to further career opportunities, such as management or senior support roles.

    We at Pier Training would be very happy to discuss any aspect of Apprenticeships you may be interested in.
    Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.