My name is Phoebe Shields, and I am an Apprentice Business Administrator at a small business in the UK. I am currently completing my Business Administration Apprenticeship with Professional Academy, and I wanted to share what my day-to-day experience looks like — the work, the study, the challenges, and why I would encourage anyone considering this path to go for it.
My Role in the Office
As an Apprentice Business Administrator, I have a variety of responsibilities that keep my days both busy and rewarding. The core of my daily role involves:
- Answering phone calls and managing incoming enquiries professionally
- Greeting and assisting clients in the office
- Responding to emails and managing correspondence on behalf of the team
- Managing the daily schedule and coordinating tasks to keep everything running smoothly
In between these duties, I also work on my apprenticeship studies — attending workshops, completing assignments and e-learning modules, and conducting project research. It is a lot to balance, but it is also what makes every week feel varied and genuinely developmental.
Balancing Work and Study
Now that I have been in my role for over a year, I have found a good rhythm between my job and my studies. The key for me has been making the most of quieter times in the office to complete apprenticeship work — and dedicating every Friday to study time, either from home or in the office. That consistent protected learning time has been incredibly helpful for staying on track and ensuring I give my studies the focus they deserve.
The apprenticeship model is designed to be manageable alongside a real job, and I have found that to be true in practice. The structure and support from Professional Academy make a significant difference — knowing exactly what is expected each week removes a lot of the anxiety that can come with studying independently.
Other Responsibilities I Manage
Beyond my day-to-day tasks, I am also responsible for a range of broader administrative functions that have genuinely developed my confidence and capability:
- Conducting regular audits — reviewing processes and records to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Carrying out health and safety checks — ensuring the workplace environment meets required standards
- Performing inventory checks — managing stock levels and flagging discrepancies
- Creating client invoices and staff rotas — tasks that have developed my attention to detail and financial awareness significantly
Every day brings something new — fresh challenges and genuine opportunities to learn. That is where my apprenticeship training really proves its value. The frameworks and knowledge I gain in workshops translate directly into how I approach these tasks in practice.
Applying What I Learn
One of the things I value most about this apprenticeship is how directly the learning connects to my job. A great example was attending a business finance workshop with my peers and mentor last year. It gave me the confidence to better understand invoicing and the financial side of the business. As a result, I am now able to communicate more confidently with clients and staff about invoices, wages, and other finance-related matters — something I genuinely struggled with when I first started.
I attend these workshops monthly, and they have become a key part of my professional development. Each session allows me to apply what I have learned directly to my role and see real, measurable improvements in how I work. That connection between learning and doing is what makes the apprenticeship model so effective.
Learning from My Managers
Working for a small business means I work closely with my two managers — and that proximity is a real advantage that I did not fully appreciate when I started. It allows me to:
- Learn directly from their experience and expertise in the moment
- Ask questions as they arise — rather than waiting for a formal review or training session
- Shadow them both in the office and in the wider community, seeing how they handle client relationships and business challenges in real life
Seeing how they handle real situations helps me develop practical knowledge and professional judgement that no textbook could fully replicate. Those observations have shaped how I approach my own work significantly.
Support and Growth Throughout My Apprenticeship
My apprenticeship has had a significant impact on both my career progression and my confidence. Regular 1:1 mentor sessions help identify my strengths and areas for improvement, whilst setting achievable goals that keep me focused and motivated. Those sessions have given me a much clearer sense of where I am heading and what I need to do to get there.
My management team and colleagues are also a huge source of support — they are always happy to answer questions, share insights, and encourage me when things feel challenging. That day-to-day encouragement makes all the difference, particularly in the early months when everything is new.
Why I Would Recommend a Business Administration Apprenticeship
Being a Business Administration Apprentice is more than just a job — it is a learning journey. Every task and every challenge is a stepping stone in both my professional and personal development. I am proud of how far I have come since I started, and genuinely excited about what is still ahead.
If you are considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: go for it. The combination of earning a salary, gaining a qualification, and developing real skills in a real environment is something you simply cannot replicate through full-time study alone. I came into this not knowing quite what to expect — and it has exceeded every expectation I had.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
At Professional Academy, our Business Administration Apprenticeship programme is designed to give apprentices like Phoebe the structure, support, and qualification-led development they need to thrive. From monthly workshops and 1:1 mentor sessions to expert tutor guidance and a fully funded qualification, we are with every apprentice every step of the way.
Interested in a Business Administration Apprenticeship with Professional Academy? Get in touch with our team today to find out more.
