Junior Business and Operations Support Apprentice

Start earning while you learn! SGM Windows Ltd is looking for a motivated Junior Business & Operations Support Apprentice. Gain your Level 3 qualification with hands-on training from skilled experts who want to see you succeed. Build a secure career in a high-demand sector. Ready to get started? Apply now and join our expert team!

What you'll do

On a day-to-day basis as an apprentice, you will be doing the following:

Core Administrative & Financial Support

• Invoicing & Reconciling: Use internal software and MS Excel to process payments, update records, and keep track of department finances.
• Data & File Management: Maintain clear, accurate, and confidential digital filing systems for all three business areas.
• Drafting Documentation: Write professional emails, confirm orders, and prepare simple reports for senior team members.

Procurement & Supplier Relations

• Supplier Coordination: Act as a key contact for external suppliers - updating vendor details, tracking orders, and checking stock/deliveries.
• Problem Solving: Spot supply or order delays early and work with the team to find practical solutions.

Customer & Communication Services

• Handling Enquiries: Answer department telephone calls, respond to customer emails confidently, and direct queries to the right team members.
• Building Relationships: Deliver friendly, professional service to both internal colleagues and external customers.

Organisation & Professional Growth

• Planning & Time Management: Organise your daily tasks, help prepare for department meetings, and keep track of key deadlines.
• Business Understanding: Learn how a multi-department office operates behind the scenes, gaining insight into GDPR, regulations, and commercial operations.
• Project & Process Support: Assist senior team members with ongoing improvement projects across the glass, procurement, and customer service divisions.

Training

• All aspects of your training will be delivered on-site with your employer.
• Earn While You Learn: All your training takes place during your normal working hours—and you get paid for every minute of it.
• Mentoring: Most of your week is spent on-site with an expert mentor who will show you exactly how to communicate with customers and staff, use SGM's IT systems, along with general admin duties.
• Dedicated Study Time: We set aside specific hours each week just for you to focus on your coursework, online learning, and workbooks.
• Expert Support: You'll have an assigned Assessor who visits you on-site at least every 10 weeks to check your progress and give you feedback.
• Flexible Learning: You can choose the style that fits you best, either a full day of training every 10 weeks or "bite-sized" 2-hour sessions every month.
• All of this leads to your Business Administrator Level 3 qualification, giving you a massive head start and the professional credentials to build a great career in the trade.
• GFTS Ltd. are specialists in qualifications for the Glass, Glazing and Fenestration Industries on a national scale. We pride ourselves on the quality of the training we deliver. At GFTS we emphasise the importance of a ‘Train, Gain & Retain' attitude to the learning and make every effort to deliver industry recognised qualifications in an effective and bespoke manner. Although our industry specialty is in the delivery of Fenestration Training, our assessors are each skilled in their own specialist discipline.
• This is a mentor-led qualification based entirely at your workplace. You will develop your skills and behaviours alongside your mentor on-site or at your workstation, with no college days and no additional travel required.
• Our assessors provide expert support through classroom sessions, site visits, and observations. We adapt to your schedule: whether you prefer a full day of learning every 10 weeks or "bite-sized" 2-hour sessions every month for knowledge work, our support is built around individual progress to ensure you are fully prepared for your Apprenticeship Assessment.
• To support your growth, a set number of hours within your standard working week will be dedicated to learning and studying, ensuring your qualification is achieved entirely within your professional hours.

After the apprenticeship

• Potential for the candidate to progress through the company and gain experience within all sectors. The main aim is to bring somebody into the team and for them to develop and become a key team member.
• We are looking to invest our knowledge, skills, and time in the right person. This position has the potential to develop into a successful career for the right candidate with the position growing with the company.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Patience

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, Maths & English (grade A*- C / 9 - 4)
• Desired: A Level, Maths & English (grade A*- C)

Things to consider

• Please note that interviews may take place before the vacancy close date and the successful applicant may start before the advertised start date.

What We're Looking For:

• Good communication skills and a confident phone manner.
• Basic IT skills (Word, Excel, Email).
• Great attention to detail when entering data or handling numbers.
• A friendly, willing-to-learn attitude!

About the employer

At SGM Windows, we manufacture and supply high quality windows, doors and conservatories.

As an independently owned Company, we are able to choose the products we manufacture to best suit our customer requirements, and our own ethos.

Based in Basildon, Essex, we operate from 25,000 sq ft of manufacturing / office space, and supply to double glazing retailers and building companies throughout the South East.

Established in 2004, the business has successfully grown without comprising our core values.

We are committed to manufacturing and supplying high quality windows, doors and conservatories in PVCu and aluminium.

We work closely with our chosen suppliers, to ensure products are innovative, energy efficient, secure and reliable.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Business administrator (level 3), Business and administration
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: GLASS & FENESTRATION TRAINING SOLUTIONS LTD
• Expected duration: 1 Year 7 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday – times to be confirmed.
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year