Human Resources Apprentice
The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge
Cambridge (CB2 0AW)
Closes in 16 days (Friday 10 April 2026)
Posted on 25 March 2026
Contents
Summary
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.
- Wage
-
£20,558 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Working hours can be flexible.
- Training course
- HR support (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday (09:00 - 17:00)
36 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 14 September 2026
- Duration
-
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 is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in HR while working in a collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our HR processes, providing timely, accurate and professional administrative support across a wide range of HR activities. The post holder will support the HR team by providing high-quality administrative support across a range of HR functions, helping to ensure the effective delivery of HR services across the Institute and Department.
Responsibilities will include:
- Providing administrative support across a broad range of HR functions to ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day HR activities
- Assisting with HR administration in line with university policies and procedures, including supporting processes related to recruitment, probation, appraisals, starters and leavers, holiday and sickness records, and contract extensions
- Acting as a first point of contact for HR enquiries and correspondence, ensuring enquiries are responded to promptly or directed to the appropriate member of the team
- Assisting with the preparation of departmental communications and formal HR correspondence
- Supporting the maintenance of accurate filing systems and data management processes in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements
Additional Responsibilities/Development Opportunities:
- Supporting the HR team with recruitment activities, including arranging interviews, preparing interview documentation and liaising with candidates
- Assisting with onboarding activities for new starters, helping to ensure they have the information and documentation needed for a smooth start
- Contributing to HR projects and initiatives, such as improving administrative processes, updating guidance documents or supporting staff engagement activities
- Assisting with the organisation of HR-related meetings, training sessions or staff development events
- Supporting the preparation of HR reports and basic data analysis to help the team monitor HR activity and trends
- Taking part in learning and development opportunities as part of the Level 3 HR Apprenticeship programme and applying this learning within the workplace
Where you'll work
University of Cambridge, Department Of Haematology & Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Puddicombe Way
Cambridge
CB2 0AW
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
- Logical
- Problem solving skills
- Initiative
- IT skills
Other requirements
- Hybrid working
- Significant amount of time working on a computer
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 VAC2000023098.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Friday 10 April 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.