Business Administration Apprentice

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations

SALARY: £24,904 per annum
ROLE TYPE: 18-month Fixed Term Contract
HOURS: Fulltime 35 hours per week

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every service, every departure board and every smooth-running journey is a team of people making sure everything stays on track and that’s where you come in.

As part of our Leeds Operations team, you’ll spend the next 18 months building practical skills, gaining recognised qualifications, and learning how a busy railway operation works behind the scenes. You’ll support the team with day-to-day administration that keeps things moving, from organising meetings and taking minutes to helping colleagues across the wider operation. At the same time, you’ll work towards a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with support from experienced colleagues who’ll help you grow your confidence, knowledge and career prospects along the way.

This is more than learning how to manage diaries or process paperwork. It’s a chance to understand what keeps one of the UK’s biggest train operators moving while developing skills you can take anywhere.

What you’ll be doing

No two days are exactly the same, but you’ll be involved in things like:

• Supporting the Leeds Operations team with day today administrative tasks
• Booking meeting rooms and organising team meetings
• Taking notes and minutes during meetings
• Helping colleagues with documents, records and communications
• Supporting wider operational teams when needed
• Building strong working relationships across the business
• Learning how railway operations work behind the scenes
• Completing your apprenticeship coursework and attending online learning sessions

Your apprenticeship learning will be delivered remotely through Blackpool and The Fylde College. You’ll receive a laptop, access to online learning materials and dedicated tutor support throughout your programme. You’ll spend at least six hours each week developing your knowledge and working towards your qualification.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed valuable skills in areas including communication, stakeholder management, project support, IT systems, decision making and record management.

About you

You don’t need years of experience to apply – just the right attitude and willingness to learn.

We’re looking for someone who’s organised, approachable and ready to get stuck in. Someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in doing a good job and wants to build a career while earning and learning at the same time.

Here are a few things that’ll help you thrive in the role:

• You’re motivated and keen to learn new skills
• You communicate confidently with different people
• You enjoy working as part of a team
• You’re organised and able to manage your time well
• You can use your initiative and solve problems when they arise
• You’re customer focused and understand the importance of good service
• You build positive relationships easily

You’ll also need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 5-9 (A-C), including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications
• A commitment to completing your Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.