Speaker's Office Heritage Apprentice

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Speaker's Office has 25 staff and the work they do ranges from ensuring that the business in the Chamber runs smoothly (producing speaking lists, processing requests for urgent questions and ministerial statements, giving the Speaker guidance when in the Chair), responding to Members, colleagues and public about points of procedure, arranging events with internal and external key stakeholders, as well as supporting the Speaker in his various roles .

The Speaker is proud to be launching the 'Speaker's Apprenticeship Academy' which will work to widen the House Service talent pool by creating six new apprentice roles which will be placed across the House of Commons. Apprentices will have the unique opportunity to learn and develop their skills in the UK Parliament, the home of British democracy. We're not looking for politics experts, we want to hear from candidates who might not have previously considered the House of Commons as a workplace option, and who are early in their careers and not in full time education.

The Role

The Speaker's Office Heritage Apprentice provides support to the Collection Care and Interpretation Manager and the wider Speaker's Office. The role provides an opportunity to gain experience working in a unique office within a UNESCO world heritage site where you will support a varied range of work within the historic State Apartments in Speaker's House. This role would particularly suit someone who is interested in developing a career in the cultural heritage and museum sector.

This role will focus on the heritage functions within the office, which will include booking requests to move historic objects, arranging tours of the State Apartments in Speaker's House, and updating documents to record information and the location of objects. You will also support events taking place in Speaker's House and the wider parliamentary estate.

You are not expected to be able to do everything from day one. You will be well supported and mentored and have access to training courses offered by the House of Commons.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To provide administrative support to the Collection Care and Interpretation Manager and wider Speaker's Office team, by helping to book meetings and take notes, and meet colleagues from across the House of Commons.
• To assist in coordinating tours of Speaker's House and Parliament: responding to email requests, liaising with Visitor Services, meeting and greeting tour groups.
• To help order materials and equipment for displays and events.

As part of this role, you'll undertake a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Level 3. This is the academic equivalent of two 'A' Levels.

We will enrol you onto the apprenticeship shortly after you join, and it will typically take 18 months to complete. You will complete training for 20% of your time, including from an apprenticeship training provider. More information on the apprenticeship can be found here: Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Skills and Experience

Eligibility:

The following qualifications are required for this role:

• GCSE (or equivalent) at A*-C/4-9 in English
• GCSE (or equivalent) at A*-C/4-9 in Mathematics

If you have a degree or other qualification in Business or 50% or more in Business or similar, you will be ineligible. Please contact the Learning and Careers Team at if you unsure about your qualifications.

If you are successful at interview, you will be asked to provide proof of these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship enrolment process. Please note, these roles are apprenticeship roles. If you have a degree in an unrelated field and you have the required GCSEs (or equivalent), then you are eligible to apply.

Please contact the Apprenticeships Team on if you have any questions relating to this apprenticeship.

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to express information in a clear manner with good attention to detail.
• Ability to work inclusively and flexibly within a team, recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion, positively accepts constructive feedback and acts on advice given.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Outlook. Has the willingness to learn new IT skills, including internal systems.
• An interest in, and some knowledge of the Heritage and Museums sector.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-4 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Information Session

As part of the process we will run an optional information session via Microsoft Teams on Friday 28th June at 2-2:45pm , where you will find out about the role and receive guidance on how to write an application. To register your interest please email the Apprenticeships team -

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