HR Apprentice (Human Resources) University of Oxford Department of Continuing Education

Summary

Do you want to join our busy, supportive and expanding HR team where you will be provided with the opportunity to develop full knowledge of the HR lifecycle? From planning recruitment and on-boarding new staff, to the end of fixed-term contracts and retirement planning, you'll also gain a CIPD Level 3 Diploma in Human Resources Practice. £25331pa.

Annual wage: £25,331 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: HR support (level 3)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. A 19 month apprenticeship within a 2 year fixed term employment contract.
36 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 6 January
Duration: 1 year 7 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

This is a two year fixed term contract based in central Oxford and there will be a requirement to work from either of our department sites (Rewley House, Wellington Square and Ewert House, Summertown). We work as a hybrid team with a requirement to work in the office for at least 2 days per week but the rest may be worked from home.

You will provide a professional, high-quality customer-focused service. The HR Office deals with a high volume of activity, and you will have to be adaptable, organised, a good communicator and a team player.

The HR Apprentice will provide essential support to the OUDCE HR team
Act as first point of contact for enquiries from employees, casual workers, line managers and the general public by telephone, email and face to face, answering straightforward questions or redirecting as appropriate
Learn how to manage the HR inboxes, dealing with appropriate queries or directing emails to the HR Manager
Learn how to use the University’s HR system, PeopleXD, to enter confidential, personal data, and assist with data entry into internal databases and spreadsheets
Learn how to use the Department’s casual worker system to enter confidential, personal data, and assist with data entry into internal spreadsheets
Accurately maintain all confidential electronic and paper-based personnel files
With support, prepare a wide range of written communications including; contracts, letters and wider communications. This could include drafting and updating information on the HR pages of the website, and helping to prepare training material. Edit job advertisements and job descriptions to ensure that they comply with University guidance and best practice
Learn about casual worker and employee recruitment processes, assisting with the administration of recruitment exercises which will include; placing advertisements, generating letters to applicants and preparing short listing packs
Assist with maintaining personnel files, ensuring accurate records are kept, that they are complete and up-to-date and in line with GDPR practices
Develop skills and understanding that contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR activities
Assist with the delivery of projects across the HR team; working with different team members on a varied array of projects, liaising with colleagues across the department to gather information and support successful delivery. This includes the roll out of a new IT system to pay casual workers from Summer 2025 onwards
Book meeting rooms and make administrative arrangements in support of HR team activities
Learn how to manage the recording and tracking of sickness absence and annual leave using Team Seer. Act as first point of contact for associated queries
Gather information for visa applications where necessary
Assist with the compilation of data for HESA returns, HR Data returns and run ad hoc reports from the HR database when required
Learn how to monitor end of probationary periods and visa expiry dates and highlight any issues to the HR Manager
Run monthly staff in post and other People XD HR Reports
Manage HR data quality

This list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to carry out additional tasks that fall within your competency as directed by the Tutor Liaison Officer and HR Manager. Undertake other duties in the department from time to time as determined commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of this post, and any other reasonable request.

Where you’ll work

1 Wellington Square, Oxford

OX1 2JA

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Your training course

HR support (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Service Delivery: Delivers excellent customer service on a range of HR queries and requirements, providing solutions, advice and support primarily to managers. Builds managers’ expertise in HR matters, improving their ability to handle repeated situations themselves where appropriate. Uses agreed systems and processes to deliver service to customers. Takes the initiative to meet agreed individual and team KPIs in line with company policy, values, standards. Plans and organises their work, often without direct supervision, to meet commitments and KPIs.

Problem Solving: Uses sound questioning and active listening skills to understand requirements and establish root causes before developing HR solutions. Takes ownership through to resolution, escalating complex situations as appropriate.

Communication & Interpersonal: Deals effectively with customers/colleagues, using sound interpersonal skills and communicating well through a range of media eg phone, face to face, email, internet. Adapts their style to their audience. Builds trust and sound relationships with customers. Handles conflict and sensitive HR situations professionally and confidentially.

Teamwork: Consistently supports colleagues /collaborates within the team and HR to achieve results. Builds/maintains strong working relationships with others in the team and across HR where necessary.

Process Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve HR performance and service; acts on them within the authority of their role. Supports implementation of HR changes/projects with the business.

Managing HR Information: Maintains required HR records as part of services delivered. Prepares reports and management information from HR data, with interpretation as required.

Personal Development: Keeps up to date with business changes and HR legal/policy/process changes relevant to their role. Seeks feedback and acts on it to improve their performance and overall capability.

Your training plan

Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship Standard:

Duration:

13 months practical training period, plus 6 months for End Point Assessment

Delivery model:

Work-based training with your employer
Day release during term time (approximately 1 day a week for 1 year at college - Abingdon or Witney Campus)
Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work

Qualifications included:

Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths (if required)
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

Consultative project
Professional discussion

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4 or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Customer care skills
Initiative
MS Excel, Outlook and Word
Supportive team member
Interest in working in HR

Other requirements

Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please ensure you have included your maths and English (or equivalent) grades or you may not be considered. As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the Apprenticeship Training Provider and will be required to complete initial assessments in English and maths, provide an up-to-date CV with 2 referees, and book onto a short eligibility assessment telephone call where you can also find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you may have. By applying for this vacancy, you are giving the Training Provider permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. The Training Provider for this apprenticeship is Abingdon & Witney College. If you would like to talk to them about the assessments, please call on 01235 216216. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.

About this company

We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 16,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

You'll enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts and professional development opportunities. Free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at university museums.

After this apprenticeship

Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Jane Phipps

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235 216216

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000285173.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Thursday 21 November at 11:59pm)

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