HR Support Apprentice (Unum)

Summary

Looking to start your career in Human Resources? Join us as an HR Apprentice and gain hands-on experience supporting key people initiatives and shaping a positive workplace culture.

Wage

£24,000 a year

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Training course

HR support (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

36 hours 15 minutes a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 October 2025

Duration

1 year 4 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

Why This Role Matters

In today’s dynamic business environment, HR plays a vital role in supporting employees and enabling organisational success. As an HR Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience across a range of HR activities—from maintaining employee records and payroll administration to supporting onboarding and assisting with recruitment & training coordination.

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of our collaborative HR team, you will:

Support the Employee Journey: Help manage key HR processes from onboarding to offboarding, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all employees.
Be a First Point of Contact: Respond to routine HR and Payroll queries from employees and managers, escalating more complex issues to the appropriate team member.
Support Payroll Accuracy: Assist with payroll data entry and validation, ensuring timely and accurate salary processing in collaboration with the payroll team.
Get to Grips with HR Systems: Learn how to maintain accurate employee records, update HR databases and the Payroll system, and support reporting using our digital platforms.
Understand Policy & Compliance: Learn how Statutory Payroll requirements and HR policies align with employment law and support the business in applying them fairly and consistently.
Contribute to Recruitment Activities: Help post job adverts, schedule interviews, and prepare offer letters and onboarding materials.
Coordinate Learning & Development: Assist in organising training sessions, tracking attendance, and supporting employee development initiatives.
Promote Engagement & Wellbeing: Get involved in employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives that help create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Take Part in Projects: Contribute to HR projects that improve processes, enhance employee experience, or support organisational change.
Grow Your Confidence: Build your communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills through real-world HR challenges and mentorship.

Where you'll work

Milton Court
Westcott Road
Dorking
Surrey
RH4 3LZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

BPP PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION LIMITED

Your training course

HR support (level 3)

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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.

Your training plan

As a HR Support Apprentice with BPP, you will complete the HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Upon completion you will be awarded the CIPD Foundation Certificate, and you will be able to apply for Membership of CIPD.

The apprenticeship will be delivered through a blend of live online learning, pre-recorded lectures, and face-to-face inductions and masterclasses.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade Grade C or 4 or above)

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
Organisation skills
Initiative
People-Focused
Curious
Collaborative
Trustworthy
Proactive
Integrity in Action
Accountability & Accuracy
Resilience Under Pressure
Commitment to Compliance
Customer-Centric Mindset
Living Our Values
Continuous Improvement

Other requirements

GCSE Maths and English Grade C or 4 or above - A solid foundation in core subjects to support your learning and communication. Currently Studying (and about to complete) A Relevant Level 3 Qualification - This could be a T Level, A Level, BTEC, NVQ/SVQ Level 3, or a Level 3 Apprenticeship—ideally in Business Management related subject. Be available for full time work from October 2025 when our apprentice roles start. Have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least 3 years by the start of the apprenticeship in October 2025. Be eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire duration of the apprenticeship. Whilst this role is based in Dorking, travel to Basingstoke will be required throughout the apprenticeship Skills You will Develop Throughout the programme, you’ll build a strong foundation in: · HR Administration – Learn how to manage employee records, prepare documentation, and support the full employee lifecycle. · Payroll Fundamentals – Understand how payroll data is processed, validated, and maintained in line with statutory requirements. · HR Systems & Data – Use digital HR and Payroll platforms to input, update, and report on employee data securely and accurately. · Recruitment Coordination – Gain experience in advertising roles, scheduling interviews, and supporting onboarding activities. · Learning & Development – Help organise training sessions, track participation, and support employee growth initiatives. · Communication & Collaboration – Build confidence in handling queries, supporting colleagues, and working across teams. · Policy & Compliance Awareness – Learn how HR policies align with employment law and how to apply them in practice. · Problem Solving – Develop the ability to identify issues, escalate appropriately, and contribute to continuous improvement. · Project Support – Get involved in HR projects that enhance employee experience and streamline internal processes. · Business Insight – Understand how HR supports wider organisational goals and contributes to a positive workplace culture. Why This Role Rocks · From onboarding to development and beyond, you’ll play a hands-on role in helping colleagues thrive at work. · You won’t just observe—you’ll contribute to meaningful work that supports people, processes, and performance across the business. · Whether it’s HR systems, Payroll support, or employee engagement, you’ll develop practical capabilities that are valued in every industry. · Be part of initiatives that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and a great workplace culture—your work will help shape how people feel at work. · Work alongside experienced HR professionals who will support your growth and help you build confidence in your career.

About this company

Unum are a specialist, market-leading employee benefits provider – and one that’s growing fast. We’re also part of something bigger. Unum UK makes up one part of Unum Group – an international brand that has over 11,000 employees worldwide and a collective mission to help the working world thrive. We strive to create healthy and productive workplaces across the UK, starting by offering the very best opportunities to our own employees. We have a long and established history, but we never stand still. We continually challenge ourselves to reach our full potential and make a real, impactful difference to people’s lives when it matters most. At Unum, we’ve created a workplace where people feel supported to progress and grow and can see their ambitions coming to life. We’ve built a supportive, inclusive environment where you can be yourself, whilst also being part of a growing organisation. From charity and volunteer opportunities to career growth, your possibilities are endless. And people love to work here. To provide it, we’re officially a Great Place to Work having been awarded the #3 spot on the UK's Best Workplaces™ list for large businesses in 2025, making Unum the highest ranking large financial services employer.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for a full-time role on completion.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BPP PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION LIMITED

Leia Knights

LeiaKnights@bpp.com

01133500333

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000332307.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Thursday 31 July 2025)

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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