Business Administration Apprentice

Your career #EMATters! We are currently recruiting for a Business Administration Apprentice who thinks beyond the classroom. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to begin a career in finance and procurement while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

We are an organisation that recognises and values its diverse workforce. Join us at EMAT to be part of a team that values innovation, inclusivity, and impact.

About EMAT

East Midlands Academy Trust is an exciting, innovative, and growing organisation where we strive to do things differently, aligned with our core values and purpose: that every child deserves to be the best they can be.

Our Trust was incorporated in July 2012 to establish, maintain, manage, and develop academies and free schools as world-class centres of excellence. We are a collaborative partnership that currently includes an all-through school in Northampton, a secondary school in Oundle, and five primary schools in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

By working for our Trust, you’ll be able to take advantage of a wealth of professional development and support opportunities, as well as a range of employee benefits. These include:

• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Career and leadership pathways within our growing family of schools
• A confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• A corporate eye care plan
• Flu jabs for all staff
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to health and wellbeing benefits, including an online GP
• Access to an employee lifestyle savings platform
• Generous family leave

About the Role

This is a multi-site support role, providing high-quality assistance to the central Procurement and Finance team and supporting schools across the Trust. The postholder will contribute to ensuring value for money, compliance, and operational efficiency in the Trust’s procurement and financial processes.

You will work towards a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship while gaining hands-on experience across core operational functions. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, a positive attitude, and an interest in finance and procurement.

As an apprentice at EMAT, you’ll benefit from:

• Structured learning with real-world experience in a dynamic education setting
• Ongoing support from a mentor and experienced professionals across finance, procurement and business functions
• A nationally recognised qualification with a pathway to further professional development
• The chance to build strong foundational skills while making a real impact across multiple schools

Whether you're just starting your career, returning to work, or looking for a change of direction, this apprenticeship offers the perfect launchpad into a meaningful and rewarding career in the public sector.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting procurement and purchasing activities, including obtaining quotes, raising purchase orders, and maintaining supplier records
• Assisting with invoice processing and liaising with the central finance team
• Helping manage the supplier database and contract renewal tracking
• Conducting basic market and supplier research to support value-for-money decisions
• Providing general administrative support to business functions across the Trust
• Attending team meetings and contributing to continuous improvement projects
• Developing knowledge of public sector procurement, trust policies, and school finance operations

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above
• Is highly organised, reliable, and keen to learn
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills
• Can work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple schools
• Has good IT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Has a genuine interest in finance, procurement or business administration
• Is committed to working towards a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship

How to Apply

For more information or an informal conversation, please contact Hannah.fajemiyo@central.emat.uk

A Note for Recruitment Agencies

We have a team of internal recruiters, and we advertise our vacancies to attract candidates and not agency suppliers. If we need agency assistance, then we will reach out to our trusted partners. Any speculative CVs we receive will not be accepted as an introduction.

EMAT reserves the right to withdraw this advert early if a suitable candidate is found.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

East Midlands Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). References will be taken up before interviews are offered.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or age.

EMAT encourages a “Speak Up” culture where colleagues are supported to raise concerns relating to risk or wrongdoing. You will be expected to contribute to a transparent, accountable, and safeguarding-first working culture.