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Local government administrative assistant

Alternative titles for this job include

Local government administrative assistants provide office support in council departments and give information to the public.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£24,500 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Local government administrative assistant

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration
  • Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to get into this job, such as:

  • business and administration intermediate or advanced apprenticeship
  • public service operational delivery officer advanced apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to become a local government administrative assistant. Employers may ask for some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Understanding common computer software packages and experience of working in customer service could give you an advantage.

As part of the application process you could be tested for your communication, IT and number skills.

More Information

Career tips

You can develop your IT and administration skills by doing a free online course through The Skills Toolkit.

Further information

The Local Government Association has a guide on working for a local authority and the different careers that are available.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • answer enquiries over the phone, online, in writing or in person
  • look up information on a computer
  • file, scan and photocopy documents
  • write letters and reports
  • work with databases and spreadsheets
  • deal with cash and payments
  • update records
  • act as a secretary or personal assistant (PA) to a manager

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to admin officer, office manager or jobs in other local authority departments.

You could also move into administrative work in other sectors.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Local government administrative assistant right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Business Administration BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Solihull

BTEC Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: DAVENTRY
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

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