Local government administrative assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration
• Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to get into this job, such as:

• business and administration intermediate or advanced apprenticeship
• public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become a local government administrative assistant. Employers may ask for some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Understanding common computer software packages and experience of working in customer service could give you an advantage.

As part of the application process you could be tested for your communication, IT and number skills.

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
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Local government administrative assistants provide office support in council departments and give information to the public.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• answer enquiries over the phone, online, in writing or in person
• look up information on a computer
• file, scan and photocopy documents
• write letters and reports
• work with databases and spreadsheets
• deal with cash and payments
• update records
• act as a secretary or personal assistant (PA) to a manager

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £24,500

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to admin officer, office manager or jobs in other local authority departments.

You could also move into administrative work in other sectors.