Bus Network Support Officer Apprentice

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional transportation authority in Birmingham is seeking a Bus Network Support Officer Apprentice to support the local bus network operations. This role offers a Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with hands-on experience and mentoring from experienced professionals. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths and exhibit good communication skills. The position is a 2-year fixed-term contract with a salary aligned to the Real Living Wage, ensuring candidates gain valuable skills while contributing to the community.

Benefits

Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship

Mentoring from experienced professionals

Supportive and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• No experience required - just the right attitude.
• Curiosity, motivation, and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine tasks supporting the Bus Network and Performance team.
• Provide administrative support for meetings, workshops, and events.
• Help maintain accurate records and databases about roadworks and bus stops.
• Gather information on planned roadworks and service changes.
• Support mitigation activity during disruption periods.
• Review bus timetables to ensure they meet local standards.
• Prepare simple summary reports on network issues.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work well in a team

Strong attention to detail

Basic awareness of Microsoft Office

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting public transport and eager to start your career in a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation? Join Transport for West Midlands (WMCA) as a Bus Network Support Officer Apprentice and gain hands‑on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Please note this is a 2‑year fixed‑term contract in line with the apprenticeship qualification.

What’s in it for you?

• A Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship.
• Hands‑on experience supporting the Bus Network and Performance team.
• Mentoring and training from experienced professionals.
• Opportunities to build skills in communication, organisation, data handling, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where your ideas matter.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support the region’s bus network by helping manage both planned and unplanned activity. Day‑to‑day, you will:

• Assist with routine tasks supporting the Bus Network and Performance team.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events.
• Help maintain accurate records and databases about roadworks, bus stops, vehicle details and network changes.
• Gather and share information on planned roadworks, bus stop suspensions and service changes.
• Support mitigation activity during periods of disruption.
• Gather and review bus timetables to ensure they meet local standards.
• Prepare simple summary reports on issues affecting the network.
• Use digital tools and systems to manage tasks and workflows.
• Build relationships with colleagues, local authorities and bus operators.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone curious, motivated and eager to learn. No experience is required - just the right attitude. You’ll also need:

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to use your initiative.
• Basic awareness of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Check out the job description for the complete list of essential criteria.

Location

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD, or other WMCA sites as required. Hybrid working is available, but for this apprenticeship, we expect the majority of the week to be spent in the office so you can benefit from in‑person learning with the team.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step? When you click apply, you will be taken to a website to submit your application.

Real Living Wage

We are committed to paying our apprentices the Real Living Wage as opposed to the Minimum Apprenticeship Wage.

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

• Salary Real Living Wage - £23,980.57 per Annum