Apprentice Business Support – Democratic Services

About the job

Key information

Are you interested in starting a career in local government but are not sure which area you are best suited to? A Business Administration Apprenticeship may be the perfect opportunity for you! Our 2-year apprenticeship programme will enable you to develop a range of highly transferable business administration skills

Somerset Council are looking for a Democratic Services Apprentice to join our Democratic and Governance Services Team. You’ll provide business administration and support the smooth running of council meetings, decision‑making processes, and Member support functions while completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with a local training provider.

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship
• Full time, 37 hours per week, with 1 day per week dedicated to study
• 24‑month apprenticeship contract

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be able to apply for roles within Democratic Services or other teams across Somerset Council.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and democratic decision‑making is at the heart of that. You will play a key role in helping ensure our committees, councillors, and governance processes run smoothly.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

Under supervision, you will provide clerical and administrative support to the Democratic Services Team, including:

• Supporting the preparation and administration of council, committee, and working group meetings.
• Helping to create agendas, forward plans, attendance lists, and supporting documents.
• Assisting with the publication of meeting papers on our internal systems and public website.
• Taking notes and drafting simple minutes or action points.
• Updating and maintaining a variety of records and filing systems relating to decision‑making and Member support.
• Using digital systems to input, retrieve, and update data.
• Communicating with councillors, officers, and external stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Supporting Members with general queries, room bookings, and signposting to council services.
• Helping with civic or democratic events, including Member briefings and training sessions.
• Supporting work on governance projects, including process improvements and democratic engagement activities.
• Assisting senior colleagues with research and information gathering to support effective decision‑making.

You will work alongside experienced Democratic Services Officers and will have contact with a variety of individuals across the Council, including councillors.

You will undertake a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. As part of this programme, 1 day per week will be set aside for study and off‑the‑job learning.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be.

Essential Skills

• Excellent ICT literacy
• Good organisational skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to keep accurate records

Personal Qualities

• Takes responsibility for their own development
• Professional conduct and attendance
• Positive attitude toward working for Somerset Council
• Works well with colleagues at all levels
• Team‑oriented with a willingness to help others
• Able to work effectively without direct supervision

Essential Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or higher

Please ensure you list your GCSE’s on your application form.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Supporting documents and information

Salary: National Minimum Wage Pay Rates for an Apprentice: – Under 18: £7.55, 18-20: £10.00, 21 and over £12.21 (per hour)

For further information about this role, please contact Jamie Jackson, Democratic Services Manager: jamie.jackson@somerset.gov.uk.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button – we can’t wait to hear from you.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now