Receptionist apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying directly
College
Getting a college qualification may be helpful for reception work. Relevant courses include:
- Level 1 Award in Salon Reception Duties (beauty and hairdressing)
- Level 1 Certificate in Business and Administration (office administration)
- Level 2 Certificate in Front of House Reception (hospitality and catering)
- Level 2 Diploma in Reception Operation and Services (hospitality and catering)
- Level 2 Diploma in Hospitality (hotel)
You'll usually need 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or the equivalent, for a Level 1 course. For a Level 2 course you'll need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a hospitality team member Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship, or a hospitality supervisor Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship.
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or the equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, are required for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
You could begin as an admin assistant in an organisation, for example by doing temporary work, then apply for a permanent job as a receptionist when a vacancy becomes available.
In a hotel, you could start in housekeeping or admin and do further training on the job.
Direct Application
You may not need any formal qualifications to apply directly for work as a receptionist. It'll help to have good admin and customer service skills.
Some employers will prefer you to have a good general education, with GCSEs and IT skills to work with computerised booking or payment systems. For hotel reception work it may be useful if you can speak a second language to serve visitors from outside of the UK.
Receptionist apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
Receptionist apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on where you work. You could:
- 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
Working environment
You could work in a reception area, in an NHS or private hospital, at a fitness centre, in an office or in a hotel.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression - Receptionist apprenticeships
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.