Payroll Administration Apprenticeship

Middlesbrough College

Cleveland (TS2 1AD)

Closes in 10 days (Monday 19 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 6 January 2026

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Summary

Are you ready to launch your career in a role where problem-solving, accuracy and great people skills all come together? We’re looking for a motivated Payroll Technician Apprentice to join our friendly, supportive and busy Payroll team —this could be the perfect first step into a rewarding career in Payroll, HR or Finance.

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)

Training course
Payroll administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

37 hours a week

Start date

Friday 30 January 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

  • ·       Supporting payroll processing for staff across the College

  • ·       Communicating with departments to gather essential payroll information

  • ·       You’ll cover all areas of pay, including holidays, maternity and benefits

  • ·       Learning payroll legislation, HMRC rules and pension requirements

  • ·       Help enter and check payroll data, including starters, leavers and timesheets

  • ·       Assisting with pay calculations such as net pay, pay rates and statutory payments

  • ·       Producing and updating payroll reports

  • ·       Maintaining accurate, confidential payroll records

  • ·       Developing your digital skills, especially Excel

Where you'll work

Middlesbrough College
Dock Street
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS2 1AD

Training

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

Training provider

NATIONAL UPSKILL LIMITED

Training course

Payroll administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
  • resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
  • deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
  • meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
  • provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
  • adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
  • select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
  • escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
  • use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face-to-face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
  • Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
  • develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
  • use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
  • use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
  • resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
  • deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
  • meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
  • provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
  • adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
  • select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
  • escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
  • use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face-to-face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
  • Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
  • develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
  • use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
  • use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

You don’t need experience — just the right attitude. We’d love to hear from you if you have:

 

·       GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

·       Strong numeracy and attention to detail

·       A positive, proactive approach

·       Good communication skills

·       Basic IT confidence (Excel is a bonus!)

·       A willingness to learn, grow and take responsibility

About this employer

Middlesbrough College Group is the largest FE provider in the Tees Valley, rated outstanding by ofsted.

http://www.mbro.ac.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

 free gym membership
Professional Development – Extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
College Extras -Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants
-Discounted car parking on site

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the level 3 payroll administration apprenticeship there may, where available, be the opportunity to join us as a full time permanent employee

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NATIONAL UPSKILL LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007023.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Monday 19 January 2026 at 11:59pm)