HR Apprentice
The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge
Cambridge (CB2 0QQ)
Closes in 15 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
Posted on 9 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Our mission is to improve the lives of people with neurological illness and injury through discovery, innovative treatments and training the next generation. We investigate the mechanisms of brain disease and injury, to devise new diagnostics and treatments.
- Wage
-
£20,559 a year
- Training course
- HR support (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm)
36 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 2 March 2026
- Duration
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1 year 9 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across all areas of HR while receiving structured training and mentorship. You’ll learn from experienced HR professionals and contribute to meaningful projects within a vibrant and collaborative environment.
About the Role:
As a Human Resources Apprentice, you will provide professional administrative support across all HR functions, gaining insight into the full HR lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting recruitment and induction processes
- Assisting with payroll and contract changes
- Contributing to reward and recognition initiatives
- Supporting employee relations activities
- Assisting with training and development programmes
- Promoting employee well-being and engagement
This apprenticeship is fixed term until 30th April 2028. You will complete the Level 3 HR Apprenticeship qualification, applying the skills and knowledge you develop in your day-to-day work. Successful completion will allow you to gain accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the recognised first step for HR professionals in the UK.
Where you'll work
Box 157, E Block, Level 5 Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
Training course
HR support (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
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.
Training schedule
- The learner will be studying the HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification
- CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- IT skills
- Team working
- Logical
- Initiative
Other requirements
- Strong customer service skills and a professional approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility and proactivity in handling changing priorities
- Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining confidentiality
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
About this employer
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most successful universities. They are a renowned centre for research, education, and scholarship that makes a significant contribution to society. The University is consistently ranked amongst the top universities in the world. Their affiliates have won more Nobel Prizes than any other University.
After this apprenticeship
The role includes completing the Level 3 HR Apprenticeship qualification using the skills and knowledge that you will have built up to complete your projects and assignments. You will have the opportunity to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which is the industry standard ‘first step’ for HR professionals in the UK.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013926.
Apply now
Closes in 15 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.