Business Administration Apprentice

About The Department & Collaboration

You will be joining the dedicated administrative team in the Central Genomics Laboratory at St James’s University Hospital, working closely with colleagues across Leeds and the wider North East and Yorkshire (NEY) region. In response to NHS England’s Strategy for Genomics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Newcastle Hospitals, Sheffield Children’s, and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have formed the North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub—the largest regional collaboration in the country. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, clinical diagnostics, research, and academic training, placing you at the forefront of transforming patient outcomes.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Under the guidance of experienced team members and through structured on-the-job training, you will support the laboratory administrative workflow by:

• Sample Logistics & Coordination: Collating and preparing sending sheets for genomic samples tested elsewhere across the region.
• Clinical Documentation: Issuing diagnostic reports, scanning paperwork, and securely uploading data files onto the laboratory booking system.
• Front-of-House & Reception Support: Answering telephone queries and door intercoms, greeting visitors, receiving clinical specimen deliveries, and handling internal paperwork distribution across departmental teams.
• Communication & Triage: Assisting with the triage and management of daily administrative team email queries.
• Meeting & Quality Support: Transcribing meeting minutes and carrying out routine administrative tasks supporting the laboratory Quality Management team (including document control and compliance audits).

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic individual eager to learn and develop within a dynamic scientific environment:

• Good computer literacy and a professional, polite telephone manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment, prioritize routine tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Previous experience in a hospital environment or a customer-focused department is an advantage but not essential, as comprehensive training and mentorship will be provided.

Eligibility & Assessment Process

• Eligibility: If you already hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in a Business Administration or Customer Service-related discipline, you are not eligible to apply for this specific training role.
• Shortlisting & Selection:
  • Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an initial online assessment in Maths and English.
  • Progression leads to an Assessment Centre, which includes a combination of interactive activities and a formal interview as part of the recruitment process.

Working Hours & Trust Benefits

• Salary: £25,272 per annum (AfC Band 2).
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working practices apply, with a requirement to contribute to out-of-hours rotas including weekends and bank holidays as operationally needed.
• Annual Leave: 27 days’ annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service) plus bank holidays, with options to purchase additional days.
• Pension Scheme: Optional defined benefit NHS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Study Leave & Training: Opportunity for paid study leave (up to 5 days per year) alongside dedicated off-the-job apprenticeship training time.
• Health, Family & Lifestyle: Generous supportive benefits throughout changing life circumstances (including up to 1-year parental leave, on-site nurseries, career breaks, flexible carer options), access to health and wellbeing resources, and NHS retail discounts.

Informal Enquiries

To discuss the role or learn more about our laboratory team, please contact: Bilal Khan, Patient Services Coordinator – Genetics Email: m.khan112@nhs.net

For general queries regarding the apprenticeship framework and programme details, contact the Trust Apprenticeship Team: leedsth-tr.OrgLearnGetIn@nhs.net