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Administrator

Administrators support the smooth running of offices by carrying out clerical tasks and projects. As an administrator in the construction industry, you could be organising project meetings. You’d be typing up documents, responding to business enquiries, drawing up contracts and providing customer service. You are likely to be processing lots of information using a computer, so you’ll need strong IT skills. Excellent communication skills are also important, to ensure the office operates efficiently. There is huge scope for career progression as an administrator, in a variety of settings.

Average salary*

£16000

-

£35000

Typical hours per week

38-40

How to become an administrator

There are several routes to becoming an administrator. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or an apprenticeship. If you have relevant experience, you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a job.

You should explore these options to find out which is the right one for you.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Most local colleges or training providers will offer business administration and IT courses which will start you on your career path.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Traineeship

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be eligible for a traineeship. This is a short course (2 weeks - 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship as an administrator is a good way into the construction industry. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have experience as an administrator in another sector you could transfer these skills into the construction industry. Your new employer may provide training to help you progress in the role.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining work within the industry. This could have been gained at school or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in administration. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an administrator include:

  • Be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • Able to work well with others
  • Able to work on your own
  • Sensitivity and understanding
  • Flexible and open to change
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Qualifications

To become an administrator, you'll need GCSEs at grades 9 to 5 including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.

To become an administrator, you'll need Scottish National 5 qualifications grades A-C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.

To become an administrator, you'll need GCSEs at grades A* to C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.


What does an administrator do?

As an administrator, you will be responsible for helping the smooth running of the business by ensuring filing and documentation is kep up to date. Duties may include using specialist computer software and understanding the requirements of the business you are working in. You could also be required to be customer-facing - via email, phone, or greeting visitors.

The job role of an administrator involves the following duties:  

  • Preparing, organising and storing information in paper and digital form
  • Dealing with queries on the phone and by email
  • Greeting visitors at reception
  • Managing diaries, scheduling meetings and booking rooms
  • Arranging travel and accommodation
  • Arranging post and deliveries
  • Taking minutes at meetings
  • Typing up letters and reports
  • Updating computer records using a database
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Ordering office supplies
  • Maintaining office systems
  • Liaising with suppliers and contractors
  • Liaising with staff in other departments, e.g. finance, HR
  • Working in an office.


How much could you earn as an administrator?

The expected salary for an adminstrator varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly trained administrators can earn £16,000 - £20,000
  • Trained administrators with some experience can earn £18,000 - £25,000
  • Senior administrators can earn £25,000 - £35,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources


Jobs

Check out the latest administrator vacancies:

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With some experience, you could become a senior administrator, move into human resource roles or become a document controller.

Progression Opportunities

Explore the progression opportunities below

  • Current role Administrator Administrators help control the systems & schedules that ensure construction pro...
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  • Current role Human resources personnel Our HR job description tells you everything you need to know about a human resou...
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  • Current role Accounts assistant Learn more about the salary, qualifications, possible career progression & vario...
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  • Current role Bid manager This Go Construct Bid Manager job description tells you everything you need to k...
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