Human Resources Apprentice
HOLMES & HILLS LLP
Colchester (CO6 1ED)
Closes in 24 days (Friday 19 June 2026)
Posted on 26 May 2026
Contents
Summary
We are excited to be recruiting for our second HR Apprentice to join us here at Holmes & Hills. This is a really exciting opportunity to gain exceptional exposure to the day-to-day activities of a successful and established HR team. You will study along the way whilst gaining experience and knowledge of a full remit HR function.
- Wage
-
£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
- Medicash after 1 years’ service
- Life Insurance
- Company sick pay
- Training course
- HR support (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm and Fridays 9:00am - 5:00pm with a one-hour lunch break each day.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 3 August 2026
- Duration
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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
Your day to day work will include:
- Managing existing HR records and maintaining accurate and up to date employee data on the HRIS (Personio).
- Producing reports as required
- Administering the documentation in support of new joiners including producing new joiner paperwork and carrying out reference checking
- Administering the documentation in support of the annual HR processes (Appraisal, Training Applications, Salary Review, Bonus)
- Supporting the Internal Recruiter with recruitment activities; job adverts, candidate management through the ATS, email notifications to candidates, booking interviews and monitoring the careers inbox
- Carry out monthly checks such as work anniversaries, probations and benefit enrolments
- Assist with various HR led internal events such as in-house training sessions, well-being week, and any other internal events that may require support
- Provide administrative support to HR activities e.g. recruitment campaigns, careers fairs, induction, training, benefits, absence management
- Provide administrative support to our L&D programme; system administration, managing delegate lists, sending out invites, booking and setting up meeting rooms, updating our HR SharePoint portal, putting learner packs together, assisting in the creation of learning material (i.e. PowerPoint, ‘how to guides’, handouts etc.)
- Logging Sickness, and ensuring sickness records are closed by employees and escalating any sickness cases to the relevant members of the HR Team
- Monitor the HR inbox responding or escalating as appropriate
- Holiday cover for the HR Coordinator
- Supporting on HR Projects as and when required
- Ensuring good standards of data quality and protection are adhered to at all times
- Act as a first line responder for basic employee queries/requests and escalating to the relevant members of the HR Team as required
- Any other duties that may be required in support of the day-to-day remit of the HR function
- The role will be based in our Marks Tey office but will involve travel to our other offices e.g. for inductions and you should therefore have a driving licence and access to a car
Where you'll work
A12 Commercial Hub
London Road
Marks Tey
Colchester
CO6 1ED
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
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 apprentice will be working towards the HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
- Monthly classroom attendance at Colchester Institute (Colchester Campus)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
Level 3 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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Previous admin experience
- Client/customer experience
- Microsoft Office knowledge
- Good literacy and numeracy
Other requirements
- Applicants must hold a valid driving licence and access to a car. - The role will be based in our Marks Tey office but will involve travel to our other offices e.g. for inductions so applicants must be able to drive
- 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
About this employer
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.
https://www.holmes-hills.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- EAP/physical/mental wellbeing support services, virtual GP access 24/7
- Family friendly policies, enhanced maternity/paternity pay plus, family events leave
- Cycle scheme
After this apprenticeship
This role is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to start a career in an impactful, creative, influential and rewarding profession. You will join an established and well thought of team of other HR professionals at various stages of their career, who will act as trusted mentors to you. You will experience a fantastic team spirit; committed, creative, confident and hardworking - giving you the perfect environment to start your HR career.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team
ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk
01206712043
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033057.
Apply now
Closes in 24 days (Friday 19 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.