Business Administration Apprenticeships: Level 2 and Level 3
Need reliable admin support that keeps the business organised? Train new starters and develop experienced administrators through funded Level 2 Administration Assistant and Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeships, delivered remotely and applied in your workplace.
Business administration apprenticeships at High Ridge Training, in short
- Level 2 Administration Assistant: for new administrators, receptionists and business support staff. 12 months, or 8 on the fast track, with 278 hours of off-the-job training.
- Level 3 Business Administrator: for administrators who manage processes, records, projects and stakeholders. 15 months, or 8 on the fast track, with 348 hours of off-the-job training.
- Funding: non-levy employers pay nothing for apprentices aged under 25 and 5% for those aged 25 and over. Levy payers use their apprenticeship service account.
- Added value: every apprentice receives Friend membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) plus accredited CPD.
Which business administration apprenticeship fits your team?
| Your challenge | Recommended apprenticeship | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring a first admin or reception role with no experience needed | Level 2 Administration Assistant | Builds core office, digital and communication skills from the start |
| Admin staff who are capable but have no formal training | Level 2 Administration Assistant | Standardises how they handle documents, data, customers and systems |
| Administrators taking on projects, processes or team coordination | Level 3 Business Administrator | Develops planning, stakeholder management and project skills |
| Inefficient processes or too much reliance on one person | Level 3 Business Administrator | Includes a work-based process improvement project assessed at EPA |
| Data protection and record keeping concerns | Either programme | Legislation, records management and data handling are covered at both levels |
Business administration apprenticeships
Each card gives you the essentials. Open the apprenticeship page for full content, end-point assessment and entry requirements.
Administration Assistant Apprenticeship
For administration assistants, office and reception administrators, and business, customer service or operations support administrators.
- Duration12 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training278 hours
- DeliveryRemote, applied in your workplace
- EPAPortfolio with questions and answers
- Added valueCMI Friend membership and Fire Safety Awareness CPD
Business Administrator Apprenticeship
For business and office administrators, team coordinators, project support officers and operations support assistants.
- Duration15 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training348 hours
- DeliveryRemote, applied in your workplace
- EPAKnowledge test, portfolio interview, project presentation
- Added valueCMI Friend membership and Workplace First Aid CPD
Fast track routes are subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.
What business administration apprentices learn
Core administration skills
- Organisational and communication skills
- Using digital tools and office systems
- Producing documents and handling information
- Supporting customers and colleagues
- Working to professional standards
Business and project skills
- Digital business systems, records and data
- Workload planning and project tools
- Stakeholder relationships and communication
- Legislation, including data protection and health and safety
- Problem-solving and continuous process improvement
Business administration career pathway
Develop admin staff step by step, from first role to running an office.
Administration Assistant
Core office, digital and customer skills.
Business Administrator
Processes, projects and stakeholders.
Senior Administrator or Coordinator
Team coordination and operations support.
Executive or Personal Assistant
Supporting senior leaders.
Office Manager
Running office operations and teams.
Why employers train administrators with us
A better organised business
Trained administrators keep records, diaries and processes running smoothly.
Grow and keep good people
A clear route from assistant to business administrator gives staff a reason to stay.
Remote, low-disruption delivery
No classroom days. Learning is planned around the working week.
One adviser, start to finish
Your dedicated High Ridge adviser handles funding, enrolment and progress reviews.
Prefer a shorter qualification without an apprenticeship?
For staff who already work in admin and need a recognised qualification, the NCFE Level 3 Diploma for Business Administrators is assessed through assignments and work-based evidence, with no exams. See all business and management qualifications.
How business administration apprenticeships are funded
| Employer type | Apprentice under 25 | Apprentice aged 25+ | Extra support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-levy employer | Fully funded, nothing to pay towards training | You contribute 5% of the training cost | £2,000 hiring payment for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026 |
| Levy-paying employer | Paid from your apprenticeship service account | Paid from your account. If funds run out, you contribute 25% for new starts | Additional payments may apply depending on apprentice age |
Rates reflect the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship funding rules for starts from 1 August 2026. We confirm exactly what applies to you before anyone enrols. See information for employers.
How it works for employers
Free consultation
Tell us about the role. We recommend Level 2 or Level 3 for each person.
Funding check
We confirm eligibility and what, if anything, your organisation contributes.
Start remotely
Apprentices join remote lessons and build their portfolio from real work.
Assess and complete
Regular reviews through to the independent end-point assessment.
Business administration apprenticeships: frequently asked questions
What business administration apprenticeships do you offer?
We deliver the Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship and the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship, both delivered remotely and applied in the apprentice's workplace.
What is the difference between the Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships?
Level 2 Administration Assistant builds core office, digital and communication skills for people new to admin. Level 3 Business Administrator is for administrators with more responsibility, covering processes, projects, stakeholders and process improvement.
How long does a business administration apprenticeship take?
Level 2 takes 12 months on-programme and Level 3 takes 15 months, with an 8-month fast track available on both for apprentices with relevant prior learning and experience. Each is followed by an end-point assessment period of around 3 months.
How much does a business administration apprenticeship cost a small business?
Under the 2026 to 2027 funding rules, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training for apprentices aged under 25 and contribute 5% for apprentices aged 25 and over. Eligible non-levy employers can also receive a £2,000 hiring payment for apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026.
Can existing employees do a business administration apprenticeship?
Yes. Existing staff can take an apprenticeship as long as it gives them substantial new skills and their role offers enough responsibility to meet the standard.
How much off-the-job training is needed?
The Level 2 apprenticeship includes 278 hours and the Level 3 includes 348 hours of off-the-job training. This is protected time within paid working hours, including remote lessons, practical activities and portfolio work.
How is the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship assessed?
The end-point assessment includes a multiple-choice knowledge test, a portfolio-based interview, and a presentation on a work-based project or process improvement, followed by questions from the assessor.
How is the Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship assessed?
The end-point assessment is a portfolio with questions and answers, carried out by an independent assessment organisation.
What extra benefits do apprentices receive?
All business administration apprentices receive Friend membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Level 2 apprentices also complete accredited Fire Safety Awareness CPD, and Level 3 apprentices complete accredited Workplace First Aid CPD.
Is there an alternative to an apprenticeship?
Yes. The NCFE Level 3 Diploma for Business Administrators is a shorter qualification with no exams, suitable for staff who already work in admin. It can be paid in instalments or funded with an Advanced Learner Loan if eligible.
Ready to strengthen your admin team?
Speak to a High Ridge Training adviser. We will match each person to the right apprenticeship and confirm funding before anyone enrols.
Or call 0330 236 9118