Apprentice - HR Operations Administrator (UKAPPS)

Pearson; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated individual for an exciting apprenticeship in Human Resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while supporting HR Business Partners in various activities, from managing transactional tasks to tackling complex HR issues. You will develop your skills in HR systems, compliance, and employee lifecycle management. With a commitment to flexibility, the company fosters a hybrid working environment, allowing you to balance work and life effectively. Join a team that values diversity and inclusion, and embark on a rewarding career path in HR.

Benefits

25 Days annual leave

Private Pension plan

Private medical and dental care

Stock/share purchase options

Flexible working policies

Employee wellbeing assistance programme

Cycle to work program

Gym membership concessions

Volunteering days

Retail and leisure discounts

Qualifications

• Keen interest in HR and organizational support.
• Professionalism in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Support HR Business Partners with front-line HR tasks.
• Manage HR records and generate reports.

Skills

HR advice and support

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Process improvement

HR information management

Education

Interest in HR policies and employment law

Proactive learning attitude

Tools

HR systems

Job description

About Pearson

At Pearson, we enhance lifelong learning, helping everyone achieve their goals through impactful experiences. Founded in 1844, Pearson is a leader in creating high-quality, digital-first, and accessible resources, with over 20,000 employees dedicated to lifelong learning. We foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. Committed to flexibility, Pearson embraces hybrid and remote working to support a balanced work-life environment.

Pearson’s Apprenticeships

At Pearson, we empower employees and managers with our top-notch Apprenticeship Programme, offering Level 3 to master's and various intakes year-round. Proudly providing apprenticeships in Human Resources, Business Administration, Customer Service, Management, Digital Industries, IT and Financial Services, we believe in the transformative power of learning for fulfilling careers and improved lives. Explore opportunities at pearson.jobs.

About the Apprenticeship

This role will support the HR Business Partner and Senior Business Partner for the Vocational Qualifications team, providing the opportunity to gain hands-on experience delivering front-line HR support to managers and employees. You will handle a wide variety of HR activities, from managing transactional tasks to working through more complex issues across the full employee lifecycle. You will become proficient in using HR systems to manage records, generate reports, and support HR decision-making. You'll also learn how to apply current legislation and company policies to provide compliant advice that helps reduce organisational risk.

You will be enrolled as HR Support Level 3, which will help you develop your skills and knowledge and can take up to 18-24 months to complete.

About You

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Has a keen interest in people and how organisations support them.
• Is professional, trustworthy, and discreet in handling sensitive information.
• Adapts well to change, takes initiative, and works well under pressure.
• Wants to grow their knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and HR systems.
• Is motivated to contribute to team goals and make a positive impact on the business.

You’ll need to be proactive, manage your own workload, and communicate effectively with people at all levels of the business. A genuine interest in continuous learning and professional development is essential.

Key skills and competencies

Service Delivery

• Provide timely, accurate HR advice and support to managers and employees.
• Use HR systems and processes to manage requests and deliver excellent customer service.
• Take ownership of meeting personal and team targets (OKRs).

Problem Solving

• Apply active listening and critical thinking to assess situations and identify solutions.
• Escalate more complex issues when needed, but remain accountable for follow-through.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Build strong working relationships using effective communication tailored to different audiences.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality, especially during sensitive interactions.

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively across HR and the wider business.
• Support colleagues to deliver shared outcomes.

Process Improvement

• Identify ways to improve HR service delivery.
• Contribute to HR change initiatives and projects.

HR Information Management

• Accurately maintain HR records.
• Generate and interpret HR reports for managers and stakeholders.

Personal Development

• Keep up to date with HR policy, process, and legal changes.
• Actively seek feedback and apply it to improve performance.

Behaviours You'll Demonstrate

• Honesty & Integrity – Act with professionalism and discretion.
• Flexibility – Embrace new tasks and shifting priorities.
• Resilience – Stay motivated and solution-focused under pressure.

Experience you’ll gain

• A working knowledge of the organisation’s structure, sector, and strategic goals.
• A clear understanding of the role of HR and how it contributes to business success.
• Familiarity with HR policies, employment law, and where to find expert guidance.
• Hands-on experience using HR systems to manage employee data and processes.
• Practical skills in HR service delivery, case management, and information reporting.
• Exposure to real-world HR scenarios involving recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and exit processes.

Job Location and Hours

This role is aligned to one of the following Pearson offices:

• London – 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0BP
• Manchester – The Lighthouse 14, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3BF
• Hellaby – Fretwell Road, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Rotherham, S66 8HN

We work a 37.5-hour week, with all our team free to flex their day around our core hours, which are Monday to Friday, 10 to 4 GMT/BST. School runs, etc can be accommodated. Other flexible working patterns can be considered, including part-time working and non-traditional hours. As we regularly work with global teams, particularly in India and the US, there may be the occasional need to accommodate meetings outside of core hours.

Your benefits and rewards

At Pearson, we offer a range of benefits, which include:

• 25 Days annual leave (increasing by 1 day with every year of continuous service up to 30 days); annual leave trading, +/- 5 days Annual Bonus
• Private Pension plan scheme where we pay in double what you contribute, up to 16% depending on your age
• Private medical and dental care insurance options, plus free eye tests
• Stock/share purchase options
• Maternity, paternity, and family care leave as well as flexible working policies
• An employee wellbeing assistance programme
• Cycle to work program, volunteering days, gym membership concessions in selected office locations, along with retail and leisure discounts

Diversity and Inclusion at Pearson

Pearson is committed to the Race Charter, pledging to ACT ON for a more inclusive workplace. Recognized by Stonewall in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers, we achieved 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s CEI Index in 2020. Additionally, we're on the Disability Equality Index and Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, hold Investors in People Gold, and are recognized as a Working Mums Top Employer and Age Positive employer.

Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].

Job: HUMAN RESOURCES

Organization: Enterprise Learning & Skills

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Req ID: 19517