HR Apprentice (Level 3) — CIPD, Payroll & Onboarding

The Keys Academy Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CIPD Level 3 qualification

Mentoring and training

Career development

Pension scheme

Friendly central team

Structured learning

Job summary

The Keys Academy Trust is seeking an organised HR Assistant to join our central HR team, supporting recruitment, onboarding, payroll, employee records and compliance across our schools.

You will work with the HR Manager to deliver accurate, confidential and efficient HR services, help maintain excellent employee experiences, and develop your knowledge of employment law and best practice within a supportive education group.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to build positive relationships.
• Confidential handling of information and high level of discretion.
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with HR processes or employment law knowledge is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment processes, including documentation and pre-employment checks.
• Assist with onboarding and smooth transition for new staff.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records and update HR systems.
• Process contractual changes, starters, leavers and staff absence records.
• Support payroll by preparing variations and liaising with payroll providers.
• Prepare HR correspondence and support meetings with confidential notes.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and safer recruitment.
• Respond to HR inquiries with professional customer service.
• Collaborate with school leaders, Trust colleagues and external agencies.
• Support continuous improvement of HR systems and processes.
• Provide general administrative support across HR functions.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

GCSEs English and Maths

CIPD Level 3 qualification (or working towards)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR systems/databases

Job description

The Keys Academy Trust is seeking an organised HR Assistant to join our central HR team, supporting recruitment, onboarding, payroll, employee records and compliance across our schools.

You will work with the HR Manager to deliver accurate, confidential and efficient HR services, help maintain excellent employee experiences, and develop your knowledge of employment law and best practice within a supportive education group.