Administrator

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Administration, business and management
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Career outlook for administrator

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£14,000

Experienced

£28,000


Currently employed in Scotland

72,200

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would run an organised and efficient office so your colleagues can get their work done.

You could work anywhere from a small business to a large employer such as the Civil Service or NHS.

Depending on the size of your department, you would:

  • Deal with post and emails
  • Make sure that there is enough stationery
  • Answer the telephone and pass on calls and messages
  • Do reception duties such as greeting and looking after visitors
  • Type and set up documents such as letters and reports
  • Keep computer records up to date
  • Organise records and files
  • Use office equipment such as printers and photocopiers
  • Arrange meetings and events
  • Make travel arrangements for staff

You'd need good skills in typing, spelling and grammar.

Working conditions

Hours

In most full-time jobs you would work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Flexible hours, part-time work and temporary work are widely available.

Environment

You would work in an office and spend a lot of your time using a computer.

UK employment status

Full-time

52%

Part-time

44%

Self employed

4%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Sorting
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Reliable

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There are no fixed entry routes to this job but some people will:

  • Do a course in administration or business studies such as a National Certificate (SCQF level 4/5/6), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
  • Or complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration

You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 4-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.  

Entry to a Modern Apprenticeship depends on the employer; some may require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Administration
  • ICT subjects
  • Business subjects

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show your employability, business and ICT skills such as Skills for Work Financial Services (SCQF Level 5).