Human Resource Assistant Apprentice

East Durham College

Durham (SR8 2RN)

Closes in 21 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 November 2026

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Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone looking to start out in a career in HR. The role will be to provide efficient administrative support for the Payroll and HR Team, ensuring that the payroll process a followed in a timely and accurate manner and that service users are provided with key information on HR processes and procedures.

• 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)

  The pay may be negotiated and may rise after a probation period has been successfully completed.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Two shift patterns: Week 1: Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:00. Week 2: Monday - Thursday, 09:00 - 17:00 & Friday 09:00 - 16:30.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 7 December 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

HR Advisor

Undertake administrative duties to support various HR processes including:

• Such as special leave, Absence management and Flexible working request
• Supporting the HR team including word processing, distribution of information, taking accurate minutes at meetings and hearings involved in HR processes and procedures. 
• Set up and maintain a filing system for case work file and other HR processes
• The compilation of HR data and reports
• Undertake duties supporting the use of Carval (HR Information System) including inputting changes onto the system.

Recruitment Officer:

To undertake duties supporting the recruitment and selection function including:

• Assist with the processing of the Staffing Authorisations process
• Assist with the processing of pre-employment and employment clearances including DBS
• Assist with requesting and chasing references for new employees,
• Arranging shortlisting and interviews
• Supporting in the maintenance of accurate paper-based and electronic records, ensuring all records are accurate and up to date
• Assist with the tracking of probation periods and reviews

Training Officer:

• Assist with the administration of the College’s Performance and Appraisal Review (PAR) process
• Support with the collation of learning needs from individuals PAR documents and the collation of information in relation to the evaluation of training
• Assist in the organising and scheduling of training events including coordinating outlook diaries, booking meeting rooms, sending correspondence, meeting, and greeting delegates and trainers
• Email information to employees regarding their training record and planned training events
• Assist with the maintenance of electronic records in relation to CPD and the College’s appraisal process

General Admin Duties

• Open and sort all incoming mail
• Deal with all outgoing post
• Undertake photocopying as and when required
• Handle day to day queries

Where you'll work

Peterlee Campus
Willerby Grove
Peterlee
Durham
SR8 2RN

Training

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

Training provider

EAST DURHAM 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

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.

More training information

• Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship Standard
• Maths and English Functional Skills if required - if not required, maths and English upskill will still be provided but you do not need to sit an exam
• Preparation for End Point Assessment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• GCSE English (grade C/4 or above)
• GCSE Maths (grade C/4 or above)

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
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Other requirements

Passing a enhanced DBS check.

About this employer

There’s never been a better time to join the fantastic team here at East Durham College, with recent investment in our already outstanding teaching facilities, and further investment still to come the College has a great deal on offer for both staff and students.  East Durham College provides access to education for all, with pathways through stages of learning across a broad offer and with close alignment to employment opportunities in the North East region.  Plus, the College recently gained its fourth ‘GOOD’ Ofsted rating in a row. The College is split over 3 campuses with a very board offer of courses, from general FE, and A-level to specialist land based and technical provisions there is something for everyone. As a member of the team here at East Durham College you will have access to a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, Free Gym (Willerby Grove Campus), Free parking and much more. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. As part of that ethos, we aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us. At East Durham College we follow Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. East Durham College is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we operate a guaranteed interview scheme. If you meet the essential criteria, you will automatically be selected for an interview. East Durham College is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels proud, confident, challenged and supported and are holders of Disability Confident. East Durham College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, therefore this role requires an Enhanced DBS check.

https://edc.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 29 days annual leave + Bank Holidays. 
• LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 13.5% employer contributions. 
• Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan.
• Discounted Gym Membership.
• Funded CPD.
• Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
• Free onsite parking.
• On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
• Cycle to work scheme and much more.
• Access to free Beamish Tickets. 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

HR Administrator

All employers have HR functions so this is a great field to get into with excellent short and long term career prospects. Additional high level quals are available in both fields.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Craig Grimes

craig.grimes@eastdurham.ac.uk

0191 518 8294

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000063114.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)