This apprenticeship standard will be available from the 1st August 2026.
Occupational Profile
An Administration Assistant provides essential support to core business functions, helping teams operate efficiently and ensuring organisational processes run smoothly. Working under supervision, they carry out a wide range of administrative tasks that contribute to the delivery of departmental and organisational objectives.
Administration Assistants work across the private, public and third sectors, and in organisations of all sizes. While job titles and specific duties may vary, the knowledge, skills and behaviours required remain consistent. Typical responsibilities include managing and inputting data, supporting internal teams, handling communications, organising documents and workflows, and following compliance, confidentiality and security procedures.
Roles may include: Administration Assistant, Office Support Assistant, Business Support Administrator, Data Entry Assistant, Reception/Front‑of‑House Administrator, and other entry‑level administrative positions.
This apprenticeship has been designed to provide development opportunities for a wide range of individuals. It supports those at the beginning of their career who are taking their first steps into business administration, as well as individuals with existing practical experience who wish to strengthen their theoretical understanding and professional capability.
On completion, apprentices will have demonstrated the full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours defined in the Standard, enabling them to perform confidently and competently in administrative roles. They will also be well‑prepared to progress into higher‑level programmes such as Business Administrator (Level 3) or specialist pathways including HR Support, Data Technician, Marketing or Project Support. You can expand the progression routes if needed.
Duration
12 months (excluding the EPA period)
Delivery
Training is delivered primarily in the workplace, with apprentices completing at least 6 hours per week of off‑the‑job learning. This may include structured training sessions, digital learning, shadowing, project work and skills development activities.
A dedicated assessor will regularly visit the apprentice at work to observe real‑time performance, review evidence and carry out professional discussions. Apprentices will build a portfolio demonstrating competence across all required knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Learners complete the Administration Assistant Level 2 Standard prior to taking the end‑point assessment.
End‑Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA for the Administration Assistant apprenticeship contains three assessment methods, each graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction:
- Work‑based evidence portfolio
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
- Project or practical assessment
These methods ensure apprentices demonstrate the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours required for competent performance in the role.
This apprenticeship standard is restricted to under 25’s only.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it.
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths, aged 16-18, will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
Funding Overview
Maximum government funding: £4,000
The Administration Assistant apprenticeship offers employers a highly cost‑effective way to develop new talent. Funding support varies depending on employer size and apprentice eligibility.
Employer Co‑Investment (Non‑Levy Employers)
Non‑levy employers contribute just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice. The government pays the remaining 95%, up to the funding band maximum.
- Employers pay their contribution directly to the training provider
- A payment schedule is agreed at the start of the programme
Full Funding for Small Employers (<50 Employees)
If you employ fewer than 50 staff, the government will fund 100% of the apprenticeship training costs (up to the £4,000 maximum) for apprentices who meet one of the following criteria:
- Aged 16 to 21
- Aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Aged 19 to 24 and care‑experienced
This removes all training costs for eligible small employers.
Employer National Insurance Relief
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for apprentices who meet all of the following criteria:
- Under 25 years old
- On an approved UK apprenticeship standard or framework
- Earning less than £967 per week (£50,270 per year)
The apprentice will still pay their own Class 1 contributions through their salary — the NI relief applies only to the employer.
Further Guidance
For full details, employers can refer to HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.