HR Apprentice

SMA SOLAR UK LTD

Buckinghamshire (MK9 1DG)

Closes in 18 days (Monday 23 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 5 February 2026

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Contents

Summary

SMA UK, a global leader in renewable energy tech based in Milton Keynes, is driven by innovation and passion. With a supportive HR team and a culture that values initiative, they’re seeking a Level 3 HR Apprentice to help shape the future of clean energy.

Wage

£16,640 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Annual Salary

Training course
HR support (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 March 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

Key Responsibilities HR Administration & Employee Lifecycle:

  • Support employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, contractual changes, and leavers
  • Maintain accurate employee records in HR systems and personnel files
  • Prepare standard HR documentation such as contracts, offer letters, and variations
  • Support absence recording, holiday administration, and HR reporting Recruitment & Onboarding
  • Assist with recruitment administration, including job adverts, interview scheduling, and candidate communication
  • Support pre-employment checks, including Right to Work and references
  • Coordinate onboarding activities to ensure a positive new-starter experience Employee Relations Support
  • Provide administrative support for employee relations processes such as disciplinary, grievance, and performance meetings
  • Prepare meeting packs, letters, and notes under HR guidance
  • Handle sensitive information professionally and confidentially Learning, Development & Apprenticeship Study
  • Support the coordination of training sessions, workshops, and mandatory learning
  • Maintain training and development records
  • Actively participate in the apprenticeship programme, including off-the-job training and assessments
  • Apply apprenticeship learning to day-to-day HR and office tasks

Office Management Support:

  • Assist with day-to-day office operations, ensuring the office environment is safe, organised, and welcoming
  • Support coordination with suppliers such as cleaning, facilities, IT, and office equipment providers
  • Assist with ordering office supplies and supporting purchase order administration
  • Support meeting room coordination, office access arrangements, and general office queries
  • Provide administrative support relating to travel bookings and visitor arrangements where required Sustainability Support
  • Assist with sustainability-related initiatives and internal projects
  • Support data collection for sustainability reporting, including waste, recycling, and environmental initiatives
  • Promote sustainable office practices such as recycling, energy awareness, and responsible resource use
  • Support HR and Office Management with environmentally responsible supplier practices

General Support:

  • Act as a first point of contact for basic HR and office-related queries, escalating where appropriate
  • Support HR and Office Management projects and people initiatives
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external suppliers

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your applications early to prevent disappointment.

Where you'll work

1st Floor
Altius House
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK9 1DG

Training

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

Training provider

MILTON KEYNES 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

  • Attendance at Milton Keynes College
  • Support from the employer for your learning, development and personal growth

Requirements

Essential qualifications

“GCSE” in:

  • “Maths” (grade 9-4)
  • “English” (grade 9-4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Organised & time‑managed
  • Clear communication
  • Detail‑focused
  • HR & MS Office skills
  • communication skills
  • people skills

Other requirements

Please note: The start date may be discussed after the candidate is offered a position. Apprenticeship Commitment The HR Apprentice is required to:

  • Complete all elements of the apprenticeship programme, including off-the-job learning
  • Attend training sessions, reviews, and assessments
  • Gather workplace evidence for End Point Assessment (EPA)
  • Demonstrate continuous learning and professional development

SMA Solar UK Ltd offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays
  • 3 additional paid days during the December holiday period (between Boxing Day and New Year)
  • 1 additional paid day for your birthday
  • 5% employer pension contribution
  • Private Medical Health Insurance with Vitality
  • Life Insurance
  • Income Protection Insurance
  • Full support and funding for the HR apprenticeship programme

About this employer

As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology, SMA is setting the standards today for the decentralized, digital and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. More than 4,000 SMA employees in 20 countries have devoted themselves to this task. Our innovative solutions for every type of photovoltaic application offer people and companies worldwide greater independence in meeting their energy needs. In collaboration with our partners and customers, we are helping people transition to a self-sufficient, decentralized and renewable energy supply.

After this apprenticeship

The candidate can grow within the role and as the company it global there is great opportunity for growth. They can also advance to level 5 and level 7 which will advance their skill set and capability.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013210.

Apply now

Closes in 18 days (Monday 23 February 2026 at 11:59pm)