Free Level 3 Business Administration Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while you work, building on existing office experience to develop skills in supervision, negotiation, and managing business functions. The course takes around one year to complete. You'll need a Level 2 Business Administration qualification or equivalent to enrol. Optional units let you tailor the qualification toward the areas most relevant to your role. This is a free business administration course for adults already working in office or administrative environments.
Who this course is for
This qualification is a competence based qualification aimed at people who already have experience of office-based skills and wish to specialise in business and administration functions; perhaps in, or preparing for a line management role. Learners can choose from a bank of optional units which show their ability to negotiate, supervise, manage and contribute to the running of an office. On completion, learners can progress to a Level 4 qualification.
Administrators handle the day-to-day tasks in an office and make sure things run smoothly. 97% of employers say that effective administration is essential to their business, so they do a crucial job.
The term administration covers roles that involve organising people resources, including executive secretaries, administration assistants, data entry clerks and office juniors. Without them, information would be hard to find, meetings missed and businesses would be less productive.
As a business and administration Apprentice, your exact duties will depend on your employer. It's likely that you'll be working with a team or member of staff to handle various tasks. You may be typing up board meeting documents, putting financial information together in spreadsheets, sending the daily post, or faxing and photocopying confidential documents. This sort of work requires a strong sense of responsibility, accuracy and attention to detail.
Entry requirements
Level 2 Business Administration or equivalent
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in supervising and managing office functions.
You'll learn how to negotiate effectively in a business context.
You'll build knowledge of managing and contributing to office operations.
You'll choose optional units that match your specific role and responsibilities.
You'll demonstrate competence in business and administration functions at a senior level.
How you will learn
This is a competence-based qualification assessed in the workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day work, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in real tasks. Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and tied directly to your job role. Your assessor will observe your work and review the evidence you gather.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Rochdale Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Business Administrator: managing day-to-day office operations and processes.
Office Manager: overseeing administrative functions across a team.
Team Leader (Administration): supervising admin staff and workflows.
Executive Assistant: supporting senior managers with complex admin tasks.
Operations Coordinator: coordinating business processes across departments.
PA (Personal Assistant): providing high-level administrative support to directors.
What you could study next
Level 4 Business Administration Qualification: the natural next step, as noted by the provider. Develops more advanced management and strategic administration skills.
Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership: suited to those moving into broader management roles beyond administration.
CMI or ILM Level 4 or 5 qualifications: recognised by employers for management development and career progression.