Admin Apprentice

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Role and Department

The Department:

Durham Energy Institute (DEI) is a multi-disciplinary research institute that works across all faculties at Durham University. DEI delivers understanding, leadership and solutions for energy decarbonisation and the transition to net-zero. Our work helps to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations, in particular SDG Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

A key strength of DEI is the world-leading researchers we engage with from science, social science and humanities departments across Durham University to build multidisciplinary teams. DEI works to ensure sustainable and resilient low-carbon energy systems can be developed which meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone.

The DEI's Centre for Postgraduate Training (CPT) in Energy is one of the longest-established CPTs in the UK, facilitating inter-disciplinary cooperation and applied projects for its international cohort of students.

The Role:

This is a key training role within Durham Energy Institute (DEI), providing administrative and communications support to the DEI Management and Executive Teams. The Apprentice will report to the Institute Manager and will play an important role in the continual development of DEI.

The role has a particular focus on communications, helping DEI to share its research, events and news with wider audiences through digital channels, written content and stakeholder engagement. Alongside this, the Apprentice will support the day-to-day running of the Institute through a range of general administrative tasks.

The Apprentice will be trained to initiate and carry out a diverse range of tasks, both routine and strategic, and will be expected to demonstrate the ability to cope with the demands of a complex organisational environment.

This is a development role, where you will undertake a development programme, leading to a formal Level 3 qualification. The qualification will form part of a development plan focusing on the requirements of the Grade 2 (Admin Apprentice), Grade 3 (Admin Assistant) and Grade 4 (Administrator) roles, while also considering your individual needs. It is anticipated that the development role will be over a 2-year period and progress will be regularly reviewed against agreed outputs in your development plan; however, it may be extended if the University considers it necessary.

If you are unable to meet the full requirements and performance levels at the end of the development process, you may be retained at a lower grade.

Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role. Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability. This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility. More information can be found on: Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

- You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.

- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.

- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.