HR Higher Apprentice, People Services, Warwick

National Grid Plc; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Share Incentive Plans

Private medical insurance

Pension

Job summary

National Grid is offering an HR Higher Apprenticeship in Warwick with hybrid working (three days in the office). You will gain hands-on HR experience, support colleagues, learn HR systems, and work towards a Level 5 CIPD qualification over two years.

The programme emphasizes rotations across HR, stakeholder collaboration, and people analytics. Starting salary is £27,954 with development and progression opportunities within National Grid.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Maths at Grade 5/C and English Language at Grade 6/B or higher.
• Have or be predicted to achieve three A-Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Get hands-on experience supporting key HR activities and learning how people processes help the business succeed.
• Build an understanding of HR systems, policies and best practice while working alongside experienced HR professionals.
• Use colleague feedback and engagement data to identify trends and support initiatives that improve the employee experience.
• Collaborate with HR specialists and business stakeholders to create tools, resources and guidance for colleagues and managers.
• Support a range of people-focused projects, from recruitment and talent initiatives to employee engagement and organisational development activities.
• Work with people data to generate insights, helping inform decisions that shape our workforce and culture.
• Gain exposure to both generalist and specialist areas of HR, developing a broad understanding of the function.
• Contribute ideas, perspectives and recommendations while developing the confidence to influence and support business decisions.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

Five GCSEs incl Maths and English

Three A-Levels or equivalent

Job description

HR Higher Apprentice, People Services, Warwick

About the Position

Our Human Resources Higher Apprenticeship offers an alternative route to university, allowing you to earn a competitive salary while gaining practical experience, building professional knowledge and working towards a Level 5 CIPD qualification.

The People function plays a critical role in enabling National Grid to deliver its strategic priorities by ensuring we have the right people, in the right place, with the right capabilities to succeed. We lead and support key areas including talent, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, diversity, equity and inclusion, reward, culture, colleague engagement and communications.

As a Higher Apprentice, you'll gain exposure to different areas of the business and become an integral member of the team from day one. Working alongside experienced HR professionals, you'll support initiatives that help shape colleague experience, organisational performance and business success.

What You'll Do

• Get hands‑on experience supporting key HR activities and learning how people processes help the business succeed.
• Build an understanding of HR systems, policies and best practice while working alongside experienced HR professionals.
• Use colleague feedback and engagement data to identify trends and support initiatives that improve the employee experience.
• Collaborate with HR specialists and business stakeholders to create tools, resources and guidance for colleagues and managers.
• Support a range of people‑focused projects, from recruitment and talent initiatives to employee engagement and organisational development activities.
• Work with people data to generate insights, helping inform decisions that shape our workforce and culture.
• Gain exposure to both generalist and specialist areas of HR, developing a broad understanding of the function.
• Contribute ideas, perspectives and recommendations while developing the confidence to influence and support business decisions.

What You'll Need to Apply

Five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Maths at Grade 5/C and English Language at Grade 6/B or higher.

Have or be predicted to achieve three A-Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of audiences.

We're looking for individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, a genuine interest in Human Resources and a passion for working with people. You'll be organised, proactive and eager to learn, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems and build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels. As this is an apprenticeship programme, you'll need the commitment, resilience and self‑discipline to balance work and study, remain focused through exams and assessments, and successfully work towards achieving your HR qualification.

Location

These opportunities are based in Warwick, with flexible, hybrid working, which includes three days in the office each week.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £27,954 for this apprenticeship, with annual salary increases throughout the programme.

As a first step into your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long‑term career with National Grid.

Alongside a tailored development programme to power your career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

• Upon successful completion of your two year apprenticeship you will achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification, Level 5 CIPD qualification.
• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.

• The opportunity to participate in ourSharesave and Share Incentive Plans.

• You'll develop well‑rounded skills through practical experience.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

Alongside your role, you'll complete a Level 5 CIPD Apprenticeship, typically taking two years to complete. Combining structured learning with practical workplace experience, the programme will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a successful career in Human Resources.

Your development programme will include:

• Working towards a Level 5 CIPD qualification.
• Structured rotations and exposure to different areas of the People function.
• Hands‑on experience supporting both generalist and specialist HR activities.
• Practical application of HR policies, processes and people initiatives.
• Support from experienced HR professionals, your line manager and apprenticeship provider.
• Development of skills in employee relations, engagement, people analytics, recruitment and organisational effectiveness.
• Completion of apprenticeship assessments and evidence‑based learning throughout the programme.

You'll apply your learning directly in the workplace while developing the professional knowledge, commercial awareness and people skills needed to build a successful career within Human Resources.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK's critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.

We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands‑on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?

More Information

National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it's everything we put into everything we do. It's our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It's all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.