Apprentice HR Assistant - Worcester College, University of Oxford

WORCESTER COLLEGE, OXFORD

OXFORD (OX1 2HB)

Closes in 21 days (Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 19 October 2026

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Summary

Are you passionate about people and a career in HR management? Join us and help create a work culture where both people and potential flourish. We are seeking motivated individuals to join our growing HR team. This is your chance to contribute to a forward-looking organisation and gain rewarding experience in various HR functions.

Wage

£24,165 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

An incoming 2% pay award has been announced for this role.

Training course
HR support (level 3)
Hours
37.5 hours per week during office hours.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 4 January 2027

Duration

1 year 7 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

The HR Department at Worcester College provides HR services for academic and professional staff matters whilst ensuring a consistent and efficient approach to people management across the College, supporting line managers and staff with generalist HR advice. The Department contributes to, and supports the delivery of the College’s core activities and key strategic ambitions through HR activity throughout the employee life cycle.

The HR Department includes a HR Director, HR Operations Manager, HR Assistant and HR Apprentice.

Job Purpose and Responsibilities:

To provide support on a range of HR and administrative activities, helping to ensure the smooth running of HR operations across the College, working alongside the HR Assistant and reporting into the HR Operations Manager.

To undertake the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice and Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship. Attendance at this training and successful completion of the apprenticeship is an essential requirement of this post.

Key responsibilities:

  • Work alongside the HR Assistant to provide the first point of contact for enquiries from employees and line managers by phone, email, Helpdesk tickets and face-to-face, answering questions on the administration of HR processes including recruitment, or redirecting queries as appropriate.
  • Support with the accurate recording of employee data in the HR Information System, taking account of GDPR requirements and confidentiality. Support the HR Operations Manager with the development of the HRIS and related projects regarding employee records.
  • Recruitment administration including advertising, job description, shortlisting and interview preparation, and updating the website, where required.
  • Support with the preparation of contracts (including casual engagements and volunteer agreements), and conducting new starter checks, including supporting with the administration of employee benefits.
  • Support with administration of in-house training plans and course bookings, including booking rooms, refreshments and parking, and liaising with the Lodge to meet visitors.
  • Support with off-boarding processes including preparing acknowledgement letters and notifications to relevant departments.
  • Support with the administration of contract variations, approvals, correspondence and so on.
  • Provide general administrative support to the HR team, as required.
  • Respond to emails and Helpdesk calls within a timely, professional and accurate manner.

This list is not exhaustive. The post holder will also be expected to carry out such duties as befits the grade and responsibilities of the role.

Where you'll work

WORCESTER COLLEGE
WALTON STREET
OXFORD
OX1 2HB

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 at Abingdon Campus (approximately 1 day a week for 1 year)
  • Apprentices will need to complete a minimum of 326 hours of off-the-job training during their apprenticeship

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:

Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4 or equivalent)

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

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Team working
  • Non judgemental
  • Clear verbal communication
  • Clear written communication
  • Prioritisation skills
  • An interest in Human Resources
  • Proactive and willing to learn
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Can work independently
  • Microsoft Office skills
  • Confidentiality

Other requirements

Please ensure that you have visited the Worcester College jobs page and read the full advert and Job Description before applying. This will be available from 20th October 2026. Candidates will be assessed based on the criteria set in the Job Description and you should ensure that your application provides evidence of how you meet the criteria. Examples of relevant experience need not be just from work; you may wish to give examples from study, voluntary work or skills gained in other areas of your life. Those with significant HR experience will not be eligible for this entry level apprenticeship role. Interviews are expected to be held on 9th December 2026.

About this employer

As one of the colleges within the University of Oxford, Worcester is characterised by diversity. We have a vibrant academic community of fellows and lecturers, a lively and varied student body, and a group of dedicated staff, all of whom come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We are situated in the heart of Oxford, with its many attractions and amenities, yet behind the College walls lie 26 acres of beautiful, tranquil gardens, and we are fortunate to be the only College with an on-site sports field. Our buildings range from medieval cottages to our newest architectural project, the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, and we can boast a library, chapel and dining hall created by some of Britain’s finest 18th and 19th Century architects. If you would like to find out more about Worcester or contact any College staff, please contact us through the addresses given on the site. We look forward to welcoming you to the College.

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

Company benefits

The post-holder will be provided with lunch in College (free of charge) when the kitchens are open during term and in vacations. Car parking is available currently though space is not guaranteed. There are also covered bicycle racks.

After this apprenticeship

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

This apprenticeship will prepare the candidate to apply for onward progression into an HR Assistant Role after completion of the 2 year employment contract.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Jane Phipps

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235216216

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059825.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 11:59pm)