Apprentice Events, Communications and Administration Assistant - University of Oxford DPAG
University of Oxford · Sherrington Road · posted 24 July 2026
Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.
You will work as an Apprentice Events, Communications and Administration Assistant. You will be based in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in the Science Area, and will be a core member of the administrative team in the department, welcoming visitors, providing support for events and departmental administration, and working closely with the Professional Services teams to deliver a high level of service for all members of and visitors to the department.
This is an ideal role for someone wanting to start a career in university administration, events and communications.
Responsibilities
You will be fully trained to carry out the following duties:
- Respond to basic enquiries and redirect them as appropriate
- Update databases and assist in maintaining records
- Draft documents, word process updates for handbooks and the website
- Draft and proofread content for the department’s internal and external communications channels, including print, digital and social media platforms, ensuring that all departmental promotional material is compliant with the University and departmental guidelines and policies on branding and design
- Working with the Communications Officer, contribute to the implementation of the department’s communications strategy, including planning and scheduling content distribution, and uploading content to the department’s intranet, website and/or social media feeds
- Carry out general office duties
- Assist with the organisation and running of events (both in person and on-line events) for DPAG: liaising with convenors, speakers, suppliers, and attendees; making travel arrangements; raising orders; booking rooms/venues and organising catering
- Assist with the general administration of the Department, including providing administrative support and cover in the Office of the Head of Department and the Head of Administration and Finance
- Assist at events (These will include handling of alcohol so you must be 18 or over). Some events may be held during weekday early evening hours and flexible arrangements for Time Off in Lieu exist on such occasions
- Use the Oracle R12 system to place orders and the expenses system to arrange reimbursements
- Liaise with members of the Professional Services team in the Department
- Liaise with other departments as necessary
- Provide occasional Reception cover
- Any additional tasks that fall within your competency as directed
Other Duties
- Any other duties that may be required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the job
This job description should be regarded only as a guide to the duties required and is not intended to be definitive. It may be reviewed in the light of a change in circumstances following consultation with the post holder. The job description does not form part of the contract.
Your training
Duration:
- 15-months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment
Delivery model:
- Work-based training with your employer
- 10 days Business Professionals training at college
- Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
- Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours per week of an apprentice’s time at work
Qualifications included:
- Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard
End Point Assessment:
- Knowledge test
- Portfolio based interview
- Project/improvement presentation
Where it leads
- Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career
About University of Oxford
We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 17,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
Things to consider
PLEASE NOTE:
- INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD during w/c 1st September 2026
- PLEASE ENSURE YOU VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD JOBS PAGE TO READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU APPLY. VACANCY ID IS 187861
- Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description
- APPLICANTS MUST BE 18 OR OVER - this is due to the receipt and handling of alcohol for events
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the Apprenticeship Training Provider and will be required to complete initial assessments in English and maths, and book onto a short eligibility assessment telephone call where you can also find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you may have.
PLEASE NOTE APPLICANTS MUST REPLY PROMPTLY TO THESE REQUESTS - PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS/JUNK EMAILS SO THAT YOU DON'T MISS OUT.
By applying for this vacancy, you are giving the Training Provider permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. The Training Provider for this apprenticeship is Abingdon & Witney College.
If you would like to talk to them about the assessments, please call on 01235 216216.
We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4 or equivalent) — essential
- A Level any subject (grade Pass) — desired
Where you'll work
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT
Similar apprenticeships
- Sports Business Administration & Marketing Apprentice - University of Oxford - Sport DepartmentUniversity of Oxford · Oxford
- HR Apprentice - University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Oxford · Headley Way
- Accounts Assistant ApprenticeShilton Accounting Services · Brize Norton Road
- Soft Landscaper ApprenticeTwo Oaks Landscapes Limited · Aylesbury