Apprentice HR Operations Support Assistant
Halton Borough Council
Widnes (WA8 7DZ)
Closes in 17 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)
Posted on 1 April 2026
Contents
Summary
This apprenticeship opportunity provides a fantastic opportunity to work across a variety of teams across our HR Operations Division, including HR Business Partnering, Recruitment & Resourcing, Pay and Pensions, and Health and Safety.
- Wage
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£19,187.25 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday- Thursday, 9:00- 17:30
Friday, 9:00- 16:40
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 12 May 2026
- Duration
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2 years
- Positions available
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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
- Provide administrative support to the HR Operations Division, including accurate and timely data input across HR systems and consistency of processes
- Process orders and invoices in line with financial regulations, and maintain accurate financial records
- Maintain HR databases and produce routine statistical reports for management
- Respond to basic HR enquiries to ensure an effective, customer‑focused service
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail (paper, electronic, and payslips) to support timely communication
- Assist with the management of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) processes, including renewals and re‑checks, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and Council policy, as well as act as a counter signatory
- Oversee the wider Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) renewal activity by reviewing data and reports and providing accurate information to managers
- Maintain and update filing systems to ensure information is accurate and accessible
- Assist with collecting, distributing, and monitoring HR records, including supporting internal and external audits
- Provide general clerical support such as ordering stationery and photocopying to support team efficiency
- Support project work across the Division, including FOI (Freedom of Information) and SAR (Subject Access Request) requests
- Work in line with Council objectives, procedures, data systems, and record‑keeping requirements ensuring accurate and timely input
- Comply with Council policies on health and safety, equal opportunities, customer care, and core values
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade to support overall service delivery
Where you'll work
DCBL Stadium
Lower House Lane
Widnes
WA8 7DZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
RIVERSIDE 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
The apprentice will attend Riverside College every other Friday, from 9am- 2pm
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English Language (grade 4)
- Mathematics (grade 4)
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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
About this employer
Halton Borough Council is the local authority responsible for the borough of Halton, a unitary authority in Cheshire, England. All our colleagues at Halton have made a positive commitment to delivering great outcomes for our communities. Whoever joins us will share that passion for outstanding service, and strongly align with the values which define our workplace culture; Working Together – building fantastic relationships with colleagues and customers. Continuous Improvement – Keeping great service delivery at the heart of everything we do. Personal Growth – Learning, growing and developing ourselves. Accountability – doing what we say we are going to do. Inspiring Leadership – positive roles models and leading by example.
https://haltoncouncilcareers.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 34 days per year (inc. bank holidays), free parking at HBC sites, flexible/hybrid working available, investment in personal development, membership to salary-linked pension scheme.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, you will receive guidance and support from our dedicated Apprenticeship Officer in applying for opportunities within Halton Borough Council. We are eager to ensure that any apprentice that joins us as an apprentice, is given every chance to secure permanent, long-term employment with us.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Halton Borough Council
Karen Bate
Karen.Bate@halton.gov.uk
01515 116976
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024796.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.