apprentice

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern educational institution in High Wycombe is seeking an HR Apprentice to support day-to-day HR and recruitment administration. This role provides hands-on experience across HR processes and recruitment activities. Responsibilities include assisting in job advertisements, coordinating interviews, supporting HR administration tasks, and delivering excellent customer service. Candidates should have GCSEs in English, Maths, and IT, along with strong communication and organizational skills. This apprenticeship prepares individuals for future HR roles and offers potential CIPD membership upon completion.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and effective interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in IT with a focus on HR systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with updating and posting job adverts across ATS.
• Coordinate interview schedules and communicate with candidates.
• Support the shortlisting process and maintain recruitment trackers.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Team working

Logical thinking

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Education

GCSE in English – grade 4 or above

GCSE in Maths – grade 4 or above

GCSE in IT – grade C/4 or above

Job description

The apprentice will support the People Operations Team by managing day‑to‑day HR and recruitment administration. This role provides practical, hands‑on experience across HR processes and recruitment activities, offering valuable exposure while contributing to the efficient running of the function.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment Support:
  • Assist with updating and posting job adverts across our ATS.
  • Help with the coordination of interview schedules and communicate with candidates.
  • Support the shortlisting process by organizing CVs and applications.
  • Maintain recruitment trackers and ensure accurate candidate records.
• HR Administration:
  • Support the people advisors with HR‑related administration, ensuring it is processed accurately, efficiently and appropriately.
  • Assist with all maternity/paternity/adoption administration.
  • Support the processing of new‑starter administration.
  • Liaise with new starters’ managers to ensure all required documentation is actioned.
  • Assist with the new‑starter onboarding process.
  • Assist with employee lifecycle administration, including leavers.
  • Support informal meetings for various employee‑relations cases.
  • Assist with monthly payroll administration within agreed deadlines and in communication with all parties involved.
  • Assist with required HR reporting, filing and auditing of personal files.
  • Assist with entering employment data into the HRIS.
  • Raise and monitor purchase orders.
  • Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements such as the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI and Equality and Diversity.
  • Perform other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis as reasonably required.
• Service Delivery:
  • Delivers excellent customer service on a range of HR queries and requirements, providing solutions, advice and support primarily to managers. Builds managers’ expertise in HR matters, improving their ability to handle repeated situations themselves where appropriate. Uses agreed systems and processes to deliver service to customers. Takes the initiative to meet agreed individual and team KPIs in line with company policy, values, standards. Plans and organises work, often without direct supervision, to meet commitments and KPIs.
  • Problem Solving: Uses sound questioning and active listening skills to understand requirements and establish root causes before developing HR solutions. Takes ownership through to resolution, escalating complex situations as appropriate.
  • Communication & Interpersonal: Deals effectively with customers/colleagues, using sound interpersonal skills and communicating well through a range of media (e.g., phone, face‑to‑face, email, internet). Adapts style to the audience. Builds trust and sound relationships with customers. Handles conflict and sensitive HR situations professionally and confidentially.
  • Teamwork: Consistently supports colleagues and collaborates within the team and HR to achieve results. Builds and maintains strong working relationships with others in the team and across HR where necessary.
  • Process Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve HR performance and service; acts on them within the authority of the role. Supports implementation of HR changes and projects with the business.
  • Managing HR Information: Maintains required HR records as part of services delivered. Prepares reports and management information from HR data, with interpretation as required.
  • Personal Development: Keeps up to date with business changes and HR legal, policy and process changes relevant to the role. Seeks feedback and acts on it to improve performance and overall capability.

Training Schedule

• You will complete the HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
• Upon completion (HR Apprenticeship only), you will be eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• The apprenticeship will be delivered via remote one‑to‑one tutor support, self‑led study and blended learning and development activities, all within the workplace.
• Training will take place each week at a time decided jointly by you and the employer.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English – grade 4 or above.
• GCSE in Maths – grade 4 or above.
• GCSE in IT – grade C/4 or above.
• Communication skills.
• IT skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills.
• Logical thinking.
• Team working.
• Initiative.
• Non‑judgemental attitude.
• Patience.
• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Interview questions will be shared 72 hours in advance of the interview; the interview will take place week commencing 12 January.
• If you are successful in securing an interview, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

About Us

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education and in doing the right thing for our students, people and local community. Our BNU community is a special place to work and study, where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our university’s DRIVE values – dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering – are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in providing the best experience to our learners and in offering excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues.