HR & Payroll Apprentice

New College Durham; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Spennymoor is offering a HR & Payroll Apprentice role, starting in January 2026. You'll work 37 hours a week, assisting in HR processes, maintaining records, and supporting recruitment. Essential qualifications include GCSEs in Maths and English, and a desire to achieve NVQ levels in the specified subject. This role not only offers valuable training but also the opportunity for personal growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

27 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays

Regular workplace training

Functional Skills training if required

Qualifications

• Essential to communicate with colleagues and students effectively.
• Knowledge of HR systems is desirable.
• Must work as a team member to achieve common goals.

Responsibilities

• Process new starters and leavers, create employment contracts.
• Maintain personnel files and assist in recruitment activities.
• Support HR systems and initiatives.

Skills

Advanced knowledge & skills in the use of MS Word & Excel

Excellent ICT skills and data input

Good verbal and written communication skills

Excellent Organisational Skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Enthusiasm and self-confidence

Education

5 GCSE (A*-C) including Maths and English or equivalent

Work towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 in specified subject

Tools

SIMS

Job description

Opportunity Information

Salary: £279.35 per week

Duration: 21 months

Advert closing date: 04/01/2026

Description

HR & Payroll Apprentice Level 3 CIPD

Hours: 37 hours per week

Start Date: January 2026 (ASAP)

Pay: national minimum wage inline with the government guidelines

Duration: 21 months (including EPA)

Advance Learning Partnership (ALP) is a child-centred, forward-thinking organisation where people truly matter. If you’re looking for a role in a workplace that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, ALP offers the perfect opportunity to thrive. ALP are looking to recruit a HR and Payroll Apprentice to join their team in January.

General Expectations

• Contribute effectively to the work of the trust and to the achievement of the School Improvement Priorities.
• Play a full part in the life of the trust community, to support our distinctive aims and ethos, to encourage employees and pupils to follow this example.
• Follow trust policy regarding care, support and supervision of pupils.
• Attend training and development activities and courses, ensuring continuing, personal and professional development.
• Contribute to a welcoming trust culture by promoting mutual respect for all.
• Comply with any reasonable request from a leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
• Work as a team member.
• Act as a role model to pupils in speech, dress, behaviour and attitude.
• Have common duties in the areas of: Quality Assurance, Communication, Professional Practice, Health & Safety, and General Management (where applicable), Financial Management (where applicable), Appraisal, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Induction.

Role Purpose

The main purpose of a HR and Payroll Apprentice is to assist in the provision of an efficient and professional service across the school and wider Trust, in accordance with agreed Trust policies and procedures, to ensure delivery of a first class service.

Specific Responsibilities

• Processing of all new starters and leavers including production of employment contracts, end of employment letters.
• Preparation of paperwork associated with employment changes and variations to contracts.
• Assist with the maintenance of Single Central Record for ALP Central Services/ Trustees etc.
• Assist in creation of Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for all staff.
• Support recruitment activities and assisting with the administration when required, coordinating interviews etc.
• To liaise with school HR Contact to ensure that all new starter checks are completed for all new employees.
• Ensure personnel files are created and maintained in keeping with guidance.
• Maintain ALP HR shared inbox responding to emails in a timely manner.
• To arrange meetings and provide relevant paperwork / data.
• Minute meetings as and when required.
• Support the implementation of HR systems and initiatives.
• Continuously think of new ways of working, streamlining processes in order to work more efficiently.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSE (A*-C) including Maths and English or equivalent. (Essential)
• To work towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 in specified subject. (Essential)
• Advanced knowledge & skills in the use of MS Word & Excel. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of SIMS and HR systems. (Desirable)
• Excellent ICT skills and data input e.g. Word, Excel. (Essential)
• Good verbal and written communication skills appropriate to the need to communicate effectively with colleagues, students and other professionals. (Essential)
• Excellent Organisational Skills. (Essential)
• Able to follow direction and work in collaboration. (Essential)
• Able to work as team member to achieve common goals. (Essential)
• Able to work flexibly to support others and respond to unplanned situations. (Essential)
• Enthusiasm and self-confidence. (Essential)
• Able to follow direction and work in collaboration with line management and SLT. (Essential)

Training Provided

• Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
• Regular workplace training
• Structured off-the-job training with our in-house Team

Things to Consider

• Contract type: Temporary, Whole Time (Your contract will end on the same date that you complete your apprenticeship)
• Hours: 37 hours per week (8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 3.30pm Friday)
• 27 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays
• Accountable to: HR and Payroll Officer / Senior HR Manager / Director of People

Future Prospects

L3 CIPD Apprenticeship Qualification

Location

Spennymoor, County Durham, England, DL16 7LN