Payroll Administration Apprenticeship

Middlesbrough College

Cleveland (TS2 1AD)

Closes on Thursday 15 October 2026

Posted on 1 September 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

£15,433.44 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£15,433,44 per annum, rising after 1st year in line with NMW.

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

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 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

  • Giving staff and visitors a warm, friendly welcome to the Payroll department
  • Communicating confidently with colleagues across the College to gather essential payroll information — via email, phone, Teams and face to face
  • Responding to everyday payroll queries and building your confidence in knowing when to ask for support with more complex questions
  • Supporting accurate entry and verification of payroll data including starters, leavers, variations and timesheets
  • Assisting with pay calculations such as hours worked, holiday pay, salaries and statutory payments
  • Helping produce clear, accurate payroll reports using relevant information systems and tools
  • Contributing to the smooth, accurate and timely processing of payroll for all staff
  • Learn and apply payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension enrolment rules
  • Developing competence In Microsoft applications, especially Excel — to support payroll analysis, calculations and reporting
  • Gaining insight into key processes such as month-end and year-end activities
  • Take part in departmental administrative projects that help the team run efficiently
  • Maintain organised, accurate records in line with GDPR and company policies ensuring confidentiality whilst handling sensitive HR information appropriately
  • Contribute to Departmental Strategic Objectives, College's Equality and Diversity Policy, Quality Frameworks and Health & Safety Procedures
  • Actively engage in Continuous Professional Development
  • Carrying out additional duties aligned with your role, skills and training as required
  • Duties may be varied as needed to meet the changing needs of the college

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. A genuine interest, or understanding, of how payroll works and why it matters.

  • 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

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

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

Mark Guiver

mark.guiver@nationalupskill.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000050836.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 15 October 2026