At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our HR team and gain hands-on experience in people management and strategic projects.
- Company: National Highways, connecting the country with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, enjoy flexible working, and access a fantastic employee benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with opportunities for growth and permanent roles.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in HR and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including English and Maths, plus Level 3 education.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 26000 £ per year.
Employer: National Highways
Location: B4 6GA
Pay: £22,600 per year
Contract Type: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 04/03/2026
About this job
Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us. Ready to help create workplaces where everyone thrives? Join our two-year People Professional apprenticeship and start a career that makes a real difference at National Highways.
You’ll rotate across our multi-function HR team, gaining real-world experience in everything from day-to-day advice to strategic projects that shape our people strategy.
You’ll learn to:
- Advise managers on HR policies and best practice
- Contribute to projects that improve engagement, inclusion and wellbeing
- Analyse workforce data to spot trends and develop solutions
- Build relationship management and business partnering skills
You’ll also complete a Level 5 CIPD-accredited qualification, giving you professional membership and opening doors to careers in HR, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, or other areas of the people profession.
If you’re passionate about helping people and want a career that matters, this is your chance to start something big.
What You’ll Get in Return
Whether you’re just starting out or exploring a new direction, our apprenticeships are a great way to kickstart your journey. You’ll earn while you learn from day one, gaining real-world experience with plenty of support from your manager, mentors, a skills coach, and a buddy to help you settle in.
Enjoy flexible working, protected study time, and a calendar of events and socials to build your connections and confidence. Your salary will grow as you progress (subject to performance) and we’ll help you to find a permanent role at the end of your apprenticeship. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme, annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work, and be ready to adapt when things shift. We’re looking for great communicators who work well with others, stay organised, and think critically to solve problems. If you’re curious, passionate, and keen to learn, you’ll fit right in and grow fast.
To be eligible for the apprenticeship, you must:
- Hold (or will achieve before September 2026) Minimum of five GCSEs (including English and Maths, at grade C/grade 4 or above)
- Be educated to Level 3 (e.g. BTEC, A Level or equivalent)
- Be able to attend a 4-day induction from 7th -10th September 2026
- Hold an unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.
Due to the salary level of this role, we cannot offer sponsorship for the position for individuals that don't have the Right to Work in the UK. Assessment Centres will run in May-June 2026, and you’ll hear back soon after about whether you’ve secured a place. All offers to the programme are subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including Right to Work, reference, and DBS criminal record checks.
About Us
Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected. We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future.
Why You Should Join Us
At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this. If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re excited by shaping your future in a new direction, apply today and start your journey with us. Don’t miss out - submit your application early as we may close applications before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of interest.
People Professional Apprentice – Level 5 in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
At National Highways, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. As a People Professional Apprentice, you will benefit from a structured two-year programme that not only offers a competitive salary but also provides extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement within the HR field. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package, joining our team means embarking on a meaningful career journey that truly makes a difference in connecting the country.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Professional Apprentice – Level 5 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research National Highways and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre! Brush up on common interview questions and practice your responses. Show them your passion for HR and how you can contribute to their people strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at National Highways.
We think you need these skills to ace People Professional Apprentice – Level 5 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for HR and helping people shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to make a difference at National Highways!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the apprenticeship. We love seeing how your background connects with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively and get straight to the heart of their message.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and quick to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into National Highways' mission and values. Understand their focus on inclusion, engagement, and wellbeing. This will help you align your answers with what they care about and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a People Professional Apprentice, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. This will demonstrate your ability to advise managers and work well with others.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Data
Since analysing workforce data is part of the role, brush up on basic data analysis concepts. Think of instances where you've used data to make decisions or solve problems. This will show your critical thinking skills and readiness for the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the apprenticeship programme or the HR team's projects. This shows your enthusiasm and curiosity, which are traits they value. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about the role and the company culture.
