Administration Apprentice at Lincolnshire Pond

**Working week**
- Working from 08.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, and 2 15-minute breaks. There will also be times when you may need to cover on a Saturday.
- Total hours per week: 40

**What you will do in your working day**

Lincolnshire Pond Plants is a thriving family-run business nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, dedicated to providing top-quality aquatic plants for ponds and tropical fish tanks.

As our new apprentice, you will be fully trained and supported to learn about our business, and our processes and procedures. We’re a close-knit, friendly team, and as well as providing administrative support, you’ll also have the chance to work with colleagues in other areas of the business.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

- Answering the telephone, and assisting customers with queries
- Administration of our online sales platforms, including replying to messages and questions
- Data entry, organising, arranging and storing paperwork, documents and electronic data effectively
- All aspects of general office administration
- Working on Excel spreadsheets
- Getting feedback from customers
- Processing orders
- Supporting with posts and updates for social media
- Assisting customers in our on-site shop
- Working with wholesale customers
- Working with colleagues in different departments, including assisting in our warehouse/store area with picking and packing orders
- Learning about our selection of pond plants, and improving your overall knowledge of the business
- Any other associated duties as required

**The training you will be getting**
- Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
- A bespoke programme of practical, technical and vocational learning
- Functional Skills in maths and English at Level 2 (if applicable)

**What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship**

We want to develop you as our new apprentice, and we’ll invest time into training you to understand our business, and the customers we serve. We want you to stay with us in a permanent full-time role, and we’ll offer you internal career progression opportunities.

**Requirements and prospects**

**Desired skills and personal qualities**

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Friendly and approachable, Confident telephone manner

**Qualifications**

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade 4/ C) Essential

**Things to consider**

Lincolnshire Pond Plants is based on Brookenby Business Park on the outskirts of Binbrook. As this is a rural location, please check the address and ensure you would be able to report for work on a daily basis. As part of the role, there will be times when you may need to assist in other areas of the business. This will include our warehouse/stores area, which can be cold in the winter months.

**About the employer**

Lincolnshire Pond Plants is a thriving family-run business nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, dedicated to providing top-quality aquatic plants for ponds and tropical fish tanks. With a rich history rooted in a passion for water
- related activities, the company has grown from its humble beginnings to a renowned nursery on the historic grounds of old RAF Binbrook. Founded by David, a lifelong enthusiast of ponds and fishing, Lincolnshire Pond Plants has flourished under his guidance, evolving from a small operation focusing on oxygenators to an expansive collection that includes marginal plants, hardy water lilies, and tropical varieties. David's commitment to maintaining a personal touch ensures that customers receive not only high-quality plants but also expert advice tailored to their needs. The company takes immense pride in the quality of its plants, sourcing them from top providers both locally within Lincolnshire and internationally for aquarium varieties. This dedication to excellence has earned Lincolnshire Pond Plants recognition, with their plants showcased at prestigious events like the Chelsea Flower Show and various RHS shows, where they have garnered gold awards. At Lincolnshire Pond Plants, the entire family plays a pivotal role in the business. Kayleigh, David's wife, is the resident water lily expert, spearheading the tropical collection and assisting customers with her extensive knowledge. Dawn, David's mother, oversees greenhouse operations, ensuring the health and propagation of the diverse plant selection grown from seeds right here in Lincolnshire. Other family members contribute to various aspects of the business, from potting and packing to maintenance, creating a cohesive and dedicated team. Beyond offering a vast range of aquatic plants, Lincolnshire Pond Plants is deeply involved in local pond projects, aiding in both the creation of new ponds and the restoration of old ones. Their expertise extends to assisting customers in