People/Recruitment Administrator - Apprentice 18 months

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern educational institution is seeking a People/Recruitment Administrator Apprentice in High Wycombe for an 18-month program. This role involves supporting HR and recruitment administration, providing the chance to gain practical experience in a dynamic environment. Candidates should possess strong organizational and communication skills, be proficient in Microsoft Office, and show an ability to manage multiple tasks. Successful individuals may progress to permanent roles upon completion. Competitive holiday entitlement and various development opportunities available.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Staff discounts with major retailers

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills.
• Should have proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the People Operations team by managing HR and recruitment administration.
• Assist with updating job adverts and coordinating interview schedules.
• Provide support for new starter onboarding and employee lifecycle administration.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Good communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Good level of numeracy

Education

Good general education to GCSE standard

Job description

People/Recruitment Administrator - Apprentice 18 months

Hours - 37 per week

Location - High Wycombe Campus

Salary - SPOT

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

The People/Recruitment Admin Apprentice will support the People Operations team by managing day-to-day HR and recruitment administration. Working closely with the People Operations Advisors, this role provides practical, hands‑on experience across HR processes and recruitment activities, offering valuable exposure while contributing to the efficient running of the function.

What We Offer

• A generous holiday entitlement (35/30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact: [e-mail]

All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 5th January 2026

Interview Date: W/C 12th January 2026

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

If you are a student at BNU with a Student Visa (Tier 4) you must adhere to the working hour restrictions. A student visa issued for full‑time degree level studies allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term‑time. You are also only allowed to undertake one atypical role at BNU at a time.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

Job Title: People/Recruitment Administrator Apprentice 18 months

College/Directorate: People

Grade: Apprentice

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Head of People Operations/Recruitment

Responsible For: N/A

Job Purpose

The HR/Recruitment Admin Apprentice will support the People Operations team by managing day-to-day HR and recruitment administration. Working closely with the People Operations Advisors, this role provides practical, hands‑on experience across HR processes and recruitment activities, offering valuable exposure while contributing to the efficient running of the function.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role

Recruitment Support

• Assist with updating and posting job adverts across our ATS.
• Help with the coordination of interview schedules and communicate with candidates.
• Support the shortlisting process by organising CVs and applications.
• Help maintain recruitment trackers and ensure accurate candidate records.

HR Administration

Support the People advisors with HR‑related administration, ensuring it is processed accurately, efficiently and appropriately.

Assist with all maternity/paternity/adoption administration.

Support with the processing of new starter administration.

Liaise with all new starters’ managers to ensure all the required documentation is actioned.

Assist with the new starter onboarding process.

Assist with employee lifecycle administration, including leavers.

Support with informal meetings for various Employee Relations cases.

Assist with the monthly payroll administration within agreed deadlines and in communication with all parties involved.

Assist with required HR reporting, the filing of, and the auditing of personal files.

Assist with entering employment data into the HRIS.

Raise and monitor Purchase Orders.

Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.

Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Good general education to GCSE standard – A.

Skills

Strong organisational skills with attention to detail – A/I.

Good communication skills, both written and verbal – A/I.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively – A/I.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) – A/I.

Good level of numeracy, e.g. able to calculate percentages – T.

Prioritisation of workload and managing deadlines effectively – I.

BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long‑term relationships to drive up customer service standards.

Working together

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

Apprenticeship Details

• Location: High Wycombe
• Duration: 18 months (with potential progression opportunities)
• Training: Apprenticeship programme in HR Support/Business Administration
• Progression: Opportunity to move into permanent HR/Recruitment roles upon completion if a vacancy arises

Why Join Us

• Gain practical HR and recruitment experience.
• Work alongside experienced HR professionals.
• Develop transferable administrative and people skills.
• Build a career pathway in HR and or recruitment.