Modern Apprentice - Business And Administration

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body. We are trusted to oversee thousands of qualifications that are available in schools, colleges, and workplaces, not just in Scotland, but around the world. As part of our commitment to developing the young workforce, we are now recruiting for Modern Apprentices to come join us for 12 and 24-month placements and develop valuable work-based skills and experience from day one.

We are committed to providing high-quality Modern Apprenticeship opportunities – giving Scotland’s young people the chance to earn and learn, while working towards valuable SQA vocational qualifications. This year we will recruit 12 Modern Apprentices across our two sites and in a variety of areas, including IT service desk, planning and process improvement, qualification accreditation and business development.

Whether applicants are seeking to build on their existing qualifications to take the next steps in their chosen career, or to gain their crucial first experiences within a particular sector, our Modern Apprenticeships have lots to offer.

We welcome applications from 16 – 19-year-olds, or up to 29 if you are disabled or care-experienced.

Apprenticeship Programmes

A Modern Apprenticeship at SQA will give you the knowledge and transferable skills you need to get your career off to a great start. Our established one-year and two-year programmes offers successful applicants the chance to be part of an innovative public sector organisation, experience responsibility and a variety of work activities all whilst while working towards credible SQA qualifications.

Apprentices on our 12-month programme will be assigned to a business area and alongside work activity will undertake a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Business and Administration.

Apprentices on our 24-month programme will also be assigned to a business area and will undertake a SVQ in Business and Administration, and a Higher National Certificate in Business.

Responsibilities

Over the course of your Modern Apprenticeship, you will provide administrative support to a business area, and gain practical knowledge and experience in a variety of working environments:

• Providing administrative support to business areas across SQA such as diary management for teams, room bookings, raising and processing purchase orders and invoices, and communicating with other teams and external colleagues.
• Providing a high level of customer service, by responding to queries quickly and accurately, and building and maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Following administrative procedures and using Microsoft applications and organisational systems.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives by reviewing and recommending improvements to administrative procedures and systems.
• Maintaining confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information, ensuring information is up to date, stored securely and readily accessible.

Young talent at SQA

This opportunity is being delivered as part of our Young Talent Strategy to attract, recruit, develop and retain young talent and will enable you to:

• Develop your transferable skills by playing a key role in your team with meaningful work activity and responsibilities.
• Work with a Career Development Mentor to learn about the world of work and your career ambitions.
• Be part of a Young Talent Network helping to influence and shape decisions across the organisation.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus 14 public holidays.
• 21 hours volunteering leave to engage and support community social responsibility.
• Office based in our Glasgow City Centre and Dalkeith locations with opportunity for hybrid working.
• Shadowing, mentoring, and training opportunities with experienced and accomplished professionals.

Entry Criteria

12-month programme: There are no entry criteria for this role.

24-month programme: One Higher at Grade C or above AND three National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above in relevant* subjects; OR NQ Business level 6; OR Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

• Relevant subjects include English, Administration, Business Management, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Studies or a Science subject.

Closing Date: Sunday 5 May 2024

Please note that interviews will be held week beginning Monday 17 June 2024.