Apprentice - HR Support Officer

West of England Combined Authorities; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded apprenticeship

Paid hands-on experience

Mentoring and career development

Hybrid working model

Public sector environment

Job summary

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting enthusiastic HR Support Apprentices aged 18–21 to start their careers in a supportive public‑sector environment. This two‑year fixed term contract offers funded apprenticeship qualifications, paid on‑the‑job experience, and mentorship to develop your career.

You will work with experienced HR and People professionals, delivering admin support, recruitment logistics, onboarding, and data handling while learning employment law and

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
• Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above (or equivalent).
• Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment.
• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent).
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with a reliable and professional approach.
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop.
• Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• As HR Support Apprentice, provide administrative support across a range of HR and People processes.
• Assist with recruitment administration, including arranging interviews, preparing documentation and maintaining accurate records.
• Support the onboarding and induction of new employees.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee information and HR records.
• Assist with employee lifecycle processes, including starters, leavers and changes to employment.
• Respond to routine HR queries from employees and managers, providing appropriate information or signposting to relevant policies and guidance.
• Support the implementation and administration of HR policies and procedures.
• Assist HR colleagues with employee relations administration and documentation.
• Support the production of HR reports and people data.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and in accordance with organisational policies and data protection requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support effective people processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and contribute to service improvement.
• Develop an understanding of employment legislation and how it applies within a public‑sector organisation.
• Provide a professional, helpful and customer‑focused service to employees and managers.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Positive attitude

IT skills

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol

Fixed Term/Full Time - 37 hours per week

Working Hours:

37

Location:

70 Redcliff Street, Bristol

Closing Date:

05/10/2026

Job Category:

HR & Organisational Development

Region / Division:

UK Region

Business Unit:

Operations

Job Introduction

Ready to start your career and make a real impact?

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting enthusiastic apprentices aged 18 - 21 years old who are looking to start their career moving from education into the workplace to join our team and help shape the future of our region. If you’re looking for a chance to earn, learn and grow in a supportive public‑sector environment, this is your moment.

Why join the MCA?

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, you'll be part of the work shaping the future of our region. From improving transport and supporting greener communities to creating opportunities for local people, you'll contribute to projects that make a real difference. You'll see the impact of your work in the communities around you while building valuable skills for your future.

What you'll get

• A fully funded apprenticeship qualification
• Paid, hands-on experience in a supportive public sector organisation
• Training, mentoring and opportunities to develop your career
• A welcoming workplace where we value being Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Confident and Innovative
• The chance to make a positive impact across the West of England

This is a 2 year fixed term contract starting November 2026.

What we’re looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic people who are ready to learn, work as part of a team and commit to completing their apprenticeship. You'll also need:

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above, (or the equivalent qualification)

Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment

• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
• Good organisational and time‑management skills, with a reliable and professional approach
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop

The ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best

Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

As an HR Support Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced HR and People professionals, providing administrative and operational support across a range of people‑related activities.

You will play an important role in helping to ensure HR, & Talent teams processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and consistently, while contributing to a positive experience for employees and managers.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is new to HR, has recently left education, or is currently working in a junior administrative or support role and would like to develop their career within HR.

You may already have some experience supporting HR-related activities, or you may be looking to gain your first practical experience in the profession. The Level 3 apprenticeship will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence while gaining valuable on‑the‑job experience.

Please note: This is an entry‑level apprenticeship and is not a graduate role.

Key Responsibilities

As an HR Support Apprentice, you will:

• Provide administrative support across a range of HR and People processes.
• Assist with recruitment administration, including arranging interviews, preparing documentation and maintaining accurate records.
• Support the onboarding and induction of new employees.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee information and HR records.
• Assist with employee lifecycle processes, including starters, leavers and changes to employment.
• Respond to routine HR queries from employees and managers, providing appropriate information or signposting to relevant policies and guidance.
• Support the implementation and administration of HR policies and procedures.
• Assist HR colleagues with employee relations administration and documentation.
• Support the production of HR reports and people data.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and in accordance with organisational policies and data protection requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support effective people processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and contribute to service improvement.
• Develop an understanding of employment legislation and how it applies within a public‑sector organisation.
• Provide a professional, helpful and customer‑focused service to employees and managers.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based ina new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real differenceto the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days ofpaid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We followa hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success byprovidinga diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The annual salary for this role is £26,403 - £27,694. This is the full‑time equivalent salary, and will be pro‑ra for part‑time . We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Good Employment Charter https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail] . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates

Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply.If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.