Admin assistant
Administration

Related videos on an admin assistant

How to become an admin assistant

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration.

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

College (More info)

equivalent entry requirements funding advice search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through - an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration, or a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Apprenticeship (More info)

equivalent entry requirements guide to apprenticeships

Work

You might be able to start on a temporary contract through a recruitment agency. Sometimes this can lead to a permanent job. Qualifications in business administration may also help.

Volunteering & Experience

You could volunteer with a charity in an office based role to get some experience and skills that are useful for administration work.

Direct application

You could apply directly to become an admin assistant.

Employers may expect you to have:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths
• telephone, typing or IT skills

More info

Time management and the ability to prioritise tasks is really important in administration. This could be tested at interview. For example, you might be given some tasks to complete and asked to arrange them in order of importance.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day to day

In this role you could:

• deal with queries on the phone, by email and on social media
• greet visitors at reception
• type letters, reports and other business documents
• update computer records
• print and photocopy items
• order office supplies
• set up meetings and take notes during them
• make travel arrangements for staff

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could progress from admin assistant to supervisor or office manager. You could also move into other departments, like IT, payroll or accounting. With further training, you could specialise in an area like legal, financial or medical administration.

More Information

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/admin-assistant