Build Your Career in Legal Business Support with the CILEX Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Are you ready to step into a rewarding career in legal business support? Learn how CILEX-approved training provider CILEX Law School is supporting aspiring business professionals through the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship – a nationally recognised qualification designed to launch careers in business and legal administration.

What is the Business Administrator Apprenticeship?

This Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to an A-level and is ideal for those who:

• - Have no prior legal experience
• - Have completed an intermediate apprenticeship
• - Have some prior experience in a business or admin role

Delivered over 18 months, this programme equips learners with highly transferable skills essential for supporting the smooth running of a business – especially within a legal setting. Apprentices can qualify for roles such as Business Administrator or Legal Secretary.

It includes at least six hours per week of off-the-job learning, blending practical, real-world experience with structured training and support.

“I started the apprenticeship at 19. I’d had some admin experience before, but the role at Withers LLP was completely different to anything I’d done before. The apprenticeship helped me build my skills to meet the challenge.”
— Jessie Carpenter, Client Services Coordinator, Withers LLP

Who is it for?

• - School or college leavers starting their first job
  - Career switchers seeking a pathway into legal or professional services
  - Early career professionals looking to build on existing admin experience

Whether you’re working in a law firm, in-house legal department, or any organisation where legal administrative support is needed – this apprenticeship provides the skills and confidence to grow.

“It helped me develop my organisation skills so I could correctly prioritise tasks. It also made me more confident when communicating with others — especially external people.” *

How does CILEX Law School support apprentices?

As an approved CILEX training provider, CILEX Law School has decades of experience in delivering accessible, practical legal and business education.

Apprentices benefit from:
- Expert tutor guidance
- Online learning resources available 24/7
- Tailored learner support
- Structured reviews to track progress
- A dedicated apprenticeship team who support both apprentice and employer throughout the programme

“My LDA (Learning & Development Advisor), Anne, was amazing throughout the whole course. She always provided support and advice when I needed it. The regular progress reviews were great too — they helped my manager understand how I was doing and offer extra support when needed.” *

Real growth, real results

From developing administrative expertise to building confidence and communication, this apprenticeship provides a powerful launchpad for career progression.

“Completing my apprenticeship project was the most rewarding part. I’d spent so long planning, organising and getting resources in place — it felt great when it all paid off.” *

And while challenges are part of the journey, support is always available.

“One of the challenges I faced was losing a study day each month due to my firm's billing period. But my manager was supportive and gave me extra study time to help me stay on track.” *

Continuous enrolment and career progression

One of the key benefits of this apprenticeship is its rolling start dates – there's no need to wait for a specific intake period. You can apply and begin your apprenticeship journey as soon as you're ready.

Many learners go on to further qualifications such as the Paralegal Apprenticeship or Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive studies.

“...I’d like to start the Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive course to further my knowledge and gain another qualification.” *

🎥 Hear from apprentices themselves
Watch our short video from National Apprenticeship Week to see how apprentices are growing their careers with CILEX Law School.
📹 Watch the video

👉 Ready to apply or want to learn more?
Visit: https://cilexlawschool.ac.uk/study-with-cls/how-to-apply/apprenticeships/

* All quotes from Jessie Carpenter, Client Services Coordinator, Withers LLP