People & Development (HR) Administrator Apprentice in Cardiff

We are looking for a People & Development Administrator Apprentice to support the delivery of HR, training and payroll services across ACT, helping to ensure colleagues receive an efficient and professional service. You will work closely with the People & Development team, gaining hands‑on experience across a wide range of people processes while studying towards the Level 3 CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice. This role is expected to be offered at the starting salary within the band and is based at ACT’s Head Office in Cardiff, reporting to the People Operations Manager.

What you’ll do:

• Maintain accurate employee records and personnel files (paper and electronic), ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Provide HR administrative support across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding and leavers.
• Support pre‑employment checks, onboarding documentation and communication with Payroll.
• Administer HR processes including sickness absence, annual leave monitoring and probation tracking.
• Coordinate CPD and training administration, including scheduling, records, compliance reporting and training calendar maintenance.
• Administer DBS processes and support HR system audits, ensuring data accuracy and up‑to‑date records.
• Support meetings through scheduling, agenda preparation and minute taking where required.
• Assist with payroll and benefits administration, including life assurance records and recognition vouchers.
• Provide general administrative support to the People & Development Team, including reception cover when required.
• Maintain accurate HR data, reports and trackers to support compliance and continuous improvement.
• Promote and adhere to GDPR, safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, and organisational policies at all times.

Qualifications and Experience:

• No previous Human Resources experience required; transferable skills earned through education, work experience, volunteering or other activities are welcomed.
• An interest in developing a career in Human Resources and People Development.
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

Skills & Attributes:

• Ability to use initiative, solve problems and plan work effectively.
• Proactive and customer‑focused approach to work.
• Ability to follow processes and work accurately within established procedures.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and build positive working relationships.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks and deadlines effectively.

Personal Qualities:

• Treat others with respect and value differing perspectives and contributions.
• Communicates openly, honestly and professionally.
• Willingness to learn, develop and embrace new ways of working.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Positive approach to work and supporting others.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for own tasks.
• Willingness to contribute ideas and support continuous improvement.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and managers across the company.
• Flexible and willing to support the team when required.

Benefits:

• Excellent professional development opportunities.
• Generous holiday package (up to 45 days per year).
• E‑learning platform available to all staff.
• Annual salary increases.
• Staff counselling sessions.
• Mental Health First Aider.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Bi‑annual performance reviews.
• Staff Council.
• Flexible and hybrid working (where applicable).
• Team building days.
• Volunteering days.
• Staff celebration days.
• Length of service, birthday and yearly appreciation rewards.
• Staff Recognition Awards.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion:

ACT is dedicated to fair and safe recruitment practices, ensuring equality for all applicants and staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. The information we collect from you will not be used in any decision affecting you. We consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process – please email us with any specific requirements.

Additional Information:

Actively promotes the Welsh language for staff and learners – speaking Welsh is desirable but not essential. Applicants must be able to work full time from ACT Head Office and commit to completing the Level 3 CIPD Foundation in People Practice.