HR and Payroll Business Admin Apprentice

ADVANCE LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

Spennymoor (DL16 7LN)

Closes in 22 days (Sunday 4 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 December 2025

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Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to come and join our HR and Payroll team. We are looking for someone who has a positive attitude to learning, can take instruction from others and picks up tasks quickly. Could this be the role for you? 

• Wage:

  £14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Hours and pay will be term time only

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. 8am to 3.30pm Friday. Role is term time only.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 2 February 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 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

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.

• 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.
• Input of monthly payroll processes for the Trust including new starters, leavers, variations to contract, overtime, annual pay increases.
• Work to payroll deadlines and ensure that information is uploaded to the payroll portal in accordance with these deadlines.
• Assist with internal and external auditing processes.
• Deal with employee salary and payroll queries.
• Assist with employee pension queries.
• Assist with pension scheme administration.
• Assist with reporting from payroll in line with HR and Trust requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure payroll files are accurate.

Where you'll work

Advance Learning Partnership Whitworth Road
Whitworth Lane
Spennymoor
DL16 7LN

Training

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

Training provider

BISHOP AUCKLAND COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

Training will take place in the workplace with on-site tutor visits.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 9-4 / A*-C / Level 2)
• Maths (grade 9-4 / A*-C / Level 2)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

Any offer of an apprenticeship will be subject to DBS and reference checks.

About this employer

Advance Learning Partnership was established in 2017 and has since grown into a mixed-phase Multi Academy Trust, serving nursery, primary and secondary pupils across County Durham and Darlington. The majority of our schools are located in communities facing significant social and economic challenges, and we are dedicated to improving outcomes for all children.

https://alplearning.org.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

27 days’ Annual Leave plus bank holidays.

After this apprenticeship

To be discussed at interview as it can depend on school funding.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP AUCKLAND COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000004592.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Sunday 4 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

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