The Apprenticeship is designed to reflect the work of administration staff across a wide range of industries and are for those working with a high degree of autonomy and personal responsibility. They are aimed at candidates who are involved in developing, implementing and maintaining administrative services. Many of those taking this qualification will currently negotiate, supervise, manage and contribute to the running of an office. It also prepares those with experience of office based skills for line management responsibilities.
The accessible nature of the units means that training can be delivered in bite-sized chunks, providing a flexible approach to learning. Tests will be available three times throughout the year meaning that candidates can access them as they complete individual sections of learning, if they wish to.
The Apprenticeship training comprises of 5 parts:
The Knowledge Element: Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration
This qualification provides good underpinning knowledge to support an administration role. Each unit is assessed through an examination. Learners take 3 mandatory units with a value of 15 credits and optional units with a value of 2 credits
Mandatory units
Optional Units
The Level 3 Diploma is designed to allow learners to show their ability to negotiate, supervise, manage and contribute to the running of an office.
The NVQ gives learners the opportunity to create a portfolio of evidence showing how they are applying skills within their workplace. It includes four mandatory units covering the core skills needed to improve own performance and to work effectively in a business environment. Learners have a choice of optional units which are likely to be determined by the employer and learner jointly identifying what best suits their needs. The core units have a credit value of 14 and to achieve this qualification a further 11 credits need to be achieved through taking optional units which each have a value of between 1 and 6 credits.
Mandatory Units
We can advise on the range of optional units based on themes including Business Support, Project Management, Document Production, Events and Meetings, Communications, Customer Service, Managing Information and Data, Resources, Innovation and Change, Human Resources, Health and Safety, IT, Leadership and Management.
There are no formal entry requirements. However learners
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“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
Our dedicated Additional Learning Support team delivers personalised, learner-centred support across every aspect of college life - from in-class and specialist interventions to exam arrangements, assistive technology and wellbeing support.
We understand that finances can be a concern while studying. Our financial support services can help eligible students with travel, meals, equipment and other study-related costs so you can focus on achieving your goals.
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