Bus Services Support Officer Apprentice

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

Job summary

A regional transport authority in Birmingham is seeking a Bus Services Support Officer Apprentice. This role offers a chance to gain practical experience while working towards a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification. The successful candidate will assist with various tasks in the Bus Services team, providing administrative support, maintaining accurate records, and engaging in data collection for decision-making. The position promises hands-on training in a supportive environment with a focus on local community impact. The salary is £23,980.57 per annum.

Qualifications

• Prior experience is not required; attitude and willingness to learn are crucial.
• Curiosity and motivation to engage in learning opportunities.
• Strong time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine tasks supporting the operations of the Bus Services team.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings and events.
• Help maintain accurate contract documentation and records.
• Engage in research and basic analysis to support decision-making.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues and partners.

Skills

Good communication skills (written and verbal)

Attention to detail

Ability to work well in a team

Basic awareness of Microsoft Office

Education

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

Job description

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

Please note that 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.
• Practical experience supporting the delivery of key programmes within the Bus Services team.
• Mentoring and training from experienced professionals across Transport for West Midlands.
• Opportunities to develop skills in communication, data handling, organisation, and stakeholder engagement.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where your ideas matter.

What will you be doing?

You’ll play an important role in supporting the planning, procurement, and monitoring of subsidised bus services across the region, helping ensure the network runs effectively for local communities. Day‑to‑day, you will:

• Assist with routine tasks supporting the operations of the Bus Services team.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events.
• Help maintain accurate contract documentation, records, databases, and tender information.
• Support processing bus operator data returns and maintaining operator payment information.
• Prepare simple summary reports on bus registrations, performance and compliance.
• Learn to use digital tools and systems to manage tasks, schedules, and workflows.
• Engage in research, data collection, and basic analysis to support decision‑making.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, local authority partners, traffic management teams and bus operators.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is curious, motivated, and eager to learn. You don’t need prior experience - just the right attitude. You’ll also need:

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong attention to detail.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work well in a team and manage your time effectively.
• Basic awareness of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Check out the job description attached to this advert for the full 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