Human Resources Apprentice - University of Oxford NDORMS
University of Oxford
Oxford (OX3 7HE)
Closes in 20 days (Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 31 March 2026
Contents
Summary
An exciting opportunity to join the University of Oxford as a HR Apprentice in the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)! You'll support day-to-day HR operations and the full recruitment cycle, developing good working relationships with managers and delivering excellent customer service.
- Wage
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£26,686 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
All new entrant apprentices at the University of Oxford start at apprentice salary scale 1A
- Training course
- HR support (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday - Friday, usually 9.00am - 5.00pm.
You will have a 2 year fixed term contract of employment with the University of Oxford.
36 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Duration
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1 year 7 months
- 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
General:
- Act as first point of contact for enquiries from employees, casual workers, line managers and the general public by telephone, email and face to face, answering straightforward questions or redirecting as appropriate
- Learn how to manage the HR inboxes, dealing with appropriate queries or directing emails to the HR Manager
- Learn how to use the University’s HR system, PeopleXD, to enter confidential, personal data, and assist with data entry into internal databases and spreadsheets, as well as processing recruitment exercises
- Develop skills and understanding that contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR activities
- Assist with the delivery of projects across the HR team; working with different team members on a varied array of projects, liaising with colleagues across the department to gather information and support successful delivery
- Book meeting rooms and make administrative arrangements in support of HR team activities
- Run monthly staff in post and other People XD HR Reports
Operations:
- Learn how to process visitor and access agreements, developing knowledge on the different visa routes that are applicable
- Learn how to use the Department’s casual worker system to enter confidential, personal data, and assist with data entry into internal spreadsheets
- Accurately maintain all confidential electronic and paper-based personnel files
- With support, prepare a wide range of written communications including; contracts, letters and wider communications. This could include drafting and updating information on the HR pages of the website, and helping to prepare training material. Edit job advertisements and job descriptions to ensure that they comply with University guidance and best practice
- Learn about casual worker and employee recruitment processes, assisting with the administration of recruitment exercises which will include; placing advertisements, generating letters to applicants and preparing short listing packs
- Assist with maintaining personnel files, ensuring accurate records are kept, that they are complete and up-to-date and in line with GDPR practices
- Book meeting rooms and make administrative arrangements in support of HR team activities
- Learn how to manage the recording and tracking of sickness absence and annual leave using TeamSeer
- Gather information for visa applications where necessary
- Assist with the compilation of data for HESA returns, HR Data returns and run ad hoc reports from the HR database when required
- Learn how to monitor end of probationary periods and visa expiry dates and highlight any issues to the HR Manager
Recruitment:
- Work with recruiting managers to draft effective job descriptions and advertisements, following University guidance and adhering to relevant employment legislation
- Learn to prepare shortlisting and interview packs, make practical arrangements for remote, hybrid and in-person interviews and represent the NDORMS HR Team on recruitment panels
- Help ensure all recruitment paperwork and mandatory training is completed by panellists and that recruitment records are stored by the HR Team in compliance with GDPR and the relevant retention periods
- Draft feedback for unsuccessful candidates in line with HR guidance, taking steps to minimise the risk of legal challenge
- Draft offer paperwork for successful candidates and carry out pre-employment checks, maintaining regular contact with candidates and recruiting managers to ensure recruitment timelines are met
- Liaise with University- and departmental support teams to make practical new starter arrangements, including setting up University cards and IT access, and carry out HR inductions as required
Where you'll work
The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Oxford
OX3 7HE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ABINGDON AND WITNEY 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
Duration:
13 months practical training period, plus 6 months for End Point Assessment
Delivery model:
- Work-based training with your employer
- Day release during term time (approximately 1 day a week for 1 year)
- Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
- Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work
Qualifications included:
- CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
- Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship
End Point Assessment:
- Consultative project
- Professional discussion
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE 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
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- MS Excel, Outlook and Word
- Discretion / confidentiality
- Able to work flexibly
Other requirements
BEFORE APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD JOBS PAGE AND READ THE FULL ADVERT AND ACCOMPANYING JOB DESCRIPTION AS THIS PROVIDES DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE ROLE - JOB REFERENCE 185715.
Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to complete a series of initial assessments and eligibility checks prior to start. As a new Apprenticeship applicant, you will only have to undergo this process once. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments, please call us on 01235 216216.
Qualification checks: By applying for this vacancy, you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.
About this employer
We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 16,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
You'll enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts and professional development opportunities. Free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums.
After this apprenticeship
- Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Jane Phipps
apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
01235 216216
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024320.
Apply now
Closes in 20 days (Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 11:59pm)