Meet the essential support behind every successful company
The business landscape has changed over the years and with-it expectations of different roles. An essential role in any business environment is administration, it provides the backbone support to ensure smooth and efficient management of operations.
The role varies from one organisation to another; however, the skills of administrators are highly transferable and can be applied across any sector. At Skills Edge Training we specialise in developing skills needs of today to create the experts of tomorrow.
The role of an administrator
The expectations on administrators have changed significantly over the years, long gone are the days of simply filing, letter writing and answering the phone, although these are still important skills. The advancement in technology and general increase in business pace means there has been a significant shift in expectations of administrators and the role they perform.
Business administration and administrators are the engine room of an organisation and ensure that processes and procedures are being adhered to and compliance requirements met in relation to their sector.
They engage with different areas of the business internally and externally to maintain effective working relationships providing support and guidance.
Knowledge, skills, and behaviours
The nature of the role means that administrators flexibility and adaptability are essential to the ever-changing needs of the business and its stakeholders. Strong communication is essential to ensure that clarity is provided on key issues that affect the efficiency of operations with the ability to problem solve, make decisions, and improve practices within the working environment.
Understanding of the business and the industry of operation is important to be able to identify trends that impact and how to maintain approaches that align to requirements.
Prioritisation and time management for daily success
It is also important to consider the importance of personal development and that of others using coaching methods to ensure standards are maintained. The role often involves managing multiple priorities and projects, therefore effective time management and prioritisation is an important skill to be applied daily.
Key expectations of an administrator are professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work under pressure and across multiple departments. A logical and information driven approach to supporting a range of people at different levels is essential to communicate and develop approaches to workflow ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
Skills Edge Training and our approach?
Skills Edge provide training through apprenticeship delivery that is designed to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours to be successful in a supporting role and lay the foundations of transferrable skills to support career progression and development.
The approach that we take is delivery of monthly subject focused workshops by industry experts that provide essential information to support the development of knowledge and skills.
Bringing together people from a range of different business environments and sectors enables exploration of how fundamental knowledge, skills and behaviours can and are applied across different businesses and sectors. These workshops provide a platform to openly discuss application that is influenced by different factors.
Initial focus is developing individual knowledge in areas such as:
Business of operation – Business Sectors, company values and purpose, organisational structures and defined roles and responsibilities.
Business Fundamentals – Factors that influence a business and how it operates.
Stakeholder management – Use of stakeholder analysis tools to support identification and influence of different stakeholders and approaches to meeting needs.
Legislation, regulation, and policy – General legislation and regulation that affects business and how company policy is designed and implemented to support adherence.
External Influences – Factors outside of an organisation that impact on operations and what needs to be considered, such as, market forces, supply chains and changes in legislation and regulation
These provide a fundamental basis of knowledge to be considered and implemented within all administrative roles. Understanding these areas will enable you to identify what influences the business, how it operates, and the support required to ensure efficiency and effectiveness to meet goals and targets.
Workshops are also designed to develop skills and behaviours to support overall development and understanding of basic expectations, this includes:
- I.T & records – The use of systems to manage information effectively and collaboratively.
- Communication and interpersonal skills – The process of communication and approaches to negotiation and influence
- Decision making – Processes and data that can support effective decision making to balance competing priorities of the business.
- Professionalism and personal qualities – Key expectations of staff to support the values, mission and vision of the organisation and overall impact on the business.
- Quality – The importance of quality processes, procedures, and continuous reviewing of performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Planning and organisation – Techniques and tools that can be used to plan and prioritise workload effectively to manage competing priorities.
- Project management – Understanding the project lifecycle and tools that can be used to manage effectively and efficiently these.
- Managing performance and development – Approaches to supporting personal development and planning for this. Coaching others and techniques that can be applied.
The apprenticeship programme is developed to blend learning and assessment activities provide a platform to demonstrate skills required to be successful in an administrative role. This is supported by a range of people, such as, trainers, business support, assessors, and employers to create a learning opportunity that provides value and growth to individuals.
At every step of the way you will be supported by experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic members of the team, all with the sole purpose of helping you achieve the best you can in a way that suits your needs.
Turn your skills into success
The business administrator programme provides an opportunity to blend academic study with the work environment and support practical development of skills that are transferrable and can support career progression into areas such as leadership. It provides the foundation to understand the business environment and influences on it. If you are looking for a programme or opportunity to develop key skills that businesses are looking for, then the business administrator programme could be the perfect fit.
For more information on Skills Edge and what we offer please do not hesitate to make an inquiry. Our dedicated team will be more than happy to discuss your requirements. Working with Skills Edge will grant you structured learning and access to a wealth of knowledge and experience to support you on your journey.
Business Administrator FAQs
Q1: What skills are crucial for business administrators?
Business administrators need strong communication and interpersonal skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. They should be proficient in IT, decision-making, and stakeholder management. Professionalism, integrity, and a logical approach are essential to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
Q2: How has the role of business administrators evolved?
The role has evolved beyond basic administrative tasks. Modern administrators now ensure compliance, manage projects, support various departments, and maintain relationships internally and externally, all while handling complex technological systems.
Q3: Why is ongoing training important for business administrators?
Ongoing training helps administrators stay up-to-date with new technological advances, evolving compliance requirements, and changing business fundamentals. Skills Edge Training’s apprenticeship programme blend practical experience with academic knowledge to ensure that administrators can adapt to industry shifts and advance their careers.
Q4: What makes Skills Edge Training’s approach unique?
Skills Edge Training delivers industry-focused workshops, guided by experts, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds. Their hands-on approach provides valuable insights into fundamental business concepts, helping apprentices understand how to apply these principles across various sectors.
Q5: How does Skills Edge Training support career progression?
The programme emphasises transferable skills and practical application, which can lead to career progression in leadership and project management roles. The combination of structured workshops, personalised coaching, and networking opportunities creates a platform for meaningful growth.
Q6: Can I enrol if I am currently employed?
Yes, the programme is designed to integrate seamlessly with your current job, allowing you to apply new skills in real time and improve your performance on the job.
Further Information and Resources
For more details about business administration apprenticeships, including up-to-date standards and career paths visit the official apprenticeship website.
By Tony Sadler, Head of Management and Leadership Training at Skills Edge Training.