Admin assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Courses include:

• business and administration
• International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills (previously ECDL)
• word processing
• T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This takes up to 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with classroom learning.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You might be able to start on a temporary contract through a recruitment agency. Sometimes this can lead to a permanent job. Qualifications or experience in business administration may help.

Volunteering

You could volunteer with a charity in an office based role to get some experience and skills that are useful for administration work.

You can find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become an admin assistant.

Employers may look for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths. Good telephone, typing and IT skills will be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills

What you'll do:

Admin assistants give support to businesses by organising meetings, typing documents and updating computer records.

In this role you could:

• deal with questions on the phone, by email and on social media
• greet visitors at reception
• type letters, reports and other business documents
• update records and store them in line with data protection legislation
• order office supplies
• set up meetings and take notes during them
• make travel arrangements for staff

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an admin assistant to be a green job, you could:

• set up a virtual meeting to avoid unnecessary travel
• order office supplies made from recycled materials
• recycle or donate used electronic equipment and devices

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in an office or remotely.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm Mon to Fri

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress from admin assistant to supervisor or office manager. You could also move into other departments, like IT, payroll or accounting.

With further training, you could specialise in an area like legal, financial or medical administration, become a personal assistant or executive officer.