You will be the firm’s initial point of contact as an apprentice receptionist. Apprentice receptionist duties include providing administrative help across the company. You will be in charge of greeting guests and visitors to the organisation. You will also be in charge of managing front-desk activities such as mail delivery and phone call redirecting.
To be efficient as a receptionist, you must have a pleasant demeanour since this is also a customer service job. You should also be able to address problems swiftly and efficiently while keeping office procedures simple. This job requires multitasking and stress management skills. Working in shifts may be necessary; therefore, flexibility is vital.
Finally, the tasks and responsibilities of a receptionist include ensuring that the front desk welcomes clients warmly and that all administrative procedures are handled to the highest standards.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- greet visitors and direct them to the correct person or department
- manage people signing in and give out security passes
- answer enquiries in person, by phone and email
- manage a room booking system and keep rooms tidy
- deal with incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
- arrange appointments and update records on databases
- take payments and handle invoices.
Salary
- The typical apprentice salary is £15,000 per year.
- Salaries at senior level or with experience £22,000 or more, depending on the level of experience and the type of business.
Salaries depend on the size and nature of the employing organisation, as well as on geographical location.
Working hours
You’ll generally work evenings, weekends and bank holidays between 38 – 40 hours per week.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice receptionist include:
Level 2 Hospitality Team Member – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.
Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Skills
On a receptionist apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- administration skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Employers
Receptionists work in a range of large, medium-sized and small organisations across all sectors. Positions can be found in:
- large commercial organisations
- local and central government organisations
- charities
- schools and educational organisation
- health organisations
- private individuals.
Professional development
The bulk of training occurs on the job. Experienced receptionists may help recruits get up to speed. Larger companies may provide a few days of induction training to introduce you to the many parts of the organisation.
Career prospects
With training and experience, you could move into a senior receptionist or personal assistant (PA) role.
In a GP surgery or health centre, you could train to become a medical secretary or a practice manager.