HR Apprentice

Wigan & Leigh College; Wigan; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Wigan is seeking an HR Apprentice to kick-start a career in Human Resources. Join a supportive team and gain hands-on experience in all HR processes, from onboarding to supporting staff development. Ideal candidates will have a passion for HR, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. This full-time position offers a pathway to build a successful HR career and complete relevant qualifications.

Benefits

Supportive learning environment

Qualified HR mentors

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong communication and organisational skills with a customer service mindset.
• Interest in HR and how organisations work.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Enthusiasm to learn and willingness to ask questions.
• Flexible and ready to support the team.

Responsibilities

• Get involved in real HR processes from onboarding new starters to processing documents.
• Support the full employee journey including contracts and development.
• Help coordinate staff development activities and manage records.
• Support HR and payroll systems, generating reports.
• Assist in recruitment processes from scheduling interviews to managing records.
• Organise meetings and ensure smooth department operations.
• Help shape future support for staff.

Skills

Microsoft Word proficiency

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer service mindset

Confidentiality

Flexibility

Education

GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths or equivalent

Job description

HR Apprentice

Full time, 37 hours/week

Apprenticeship pay

Ready to start your HR career?

Join our HR team and kick‑start your Human Resources journey in a supportive environment. As our HR Apprentice, you'll gain hands‑on experience alongside experienced professionals who'll help you learn, grow, and make a real difference to our staff and in education. We’re a close‑knit team covering HR, payroll, staff development, and everything to do with supporting our college staff. You’ll be part of that – learning how we attract people, develop them, support them, and help them thrive.

What you’ll do

• Get involved in real HR processes – from onboarding new starters to processing employment documents.
• Support the full employee journey – helping our staff move through contracts, development, and changes.
• Help coordinate staff development activities including inductions, training events, and learning programmes.
• Help support our HR and payroll systems and generate reports that inform our decisions.
• Support recruitment processes, from scheduling interviews to note‑taking, and managing records.
• Organise meetings and hearings, manage department records, and keep our systems running smoothly.
• Help us shape the future of how we support our staff community.

What you bring

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong communication and organisational skills with a customer service mindset.
• Genuine interest in people and how organisations work.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Enthusiasm to learn and a willingness to ask questions.
• Flexible and ready to support the team when needed.

Why join us?

At Wigan & Leigh College, we believe in excellence, whether that’s technical education or our people. So we invest heavily in our people, including our apprentices. You’ll learn from experienced HR professionals in a team that genuinely supports your development. And it’s a job where you can see your impact – whether that’s someone starting on their first day or a staff problem you’ve helped solve. Your apprenticeship isn’t about doing boring tasks, it’s learning how a HR team really works from understanding employment law and best practice, to building skills you can take forward in your career.

We’ll support you while you complete your qualification and develop skills that can take you to the highest career levels.

We’re committed to equality, diversity, and safeguarding in every aspect of our work. You’ll need an enhanced DBS check as part of this role. Apply now and start your HR career. Applications close: 02 December 2025

If you want to chat to someone about this job call Eva Blyth, HR Administrator, at 01942 761378 or email [e-mail]