At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate compliance and training sessions while supporting onboarding processes for subcontractors.
- Company: Join Cunningham, a leading construction company known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in HR with a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Build a solid foundation for your career in HR or business operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact from day one in a fast-paced operational role.
- Qualifications: Proactive, organised graduates with strong attention to detail and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are Cunningham. Founded in 2006, Cunningham is one of the UK's and Europe's leading construction companies. With extensive operations across multiple markets, we have built a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and safety, delivering successful projects through a proactive, collaborative approach. Our expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, including Mission Critical & Life Sciences, Education, Healthcare, Fit Out, Residential, and Civils & Structural projects. Today, Cunningham employs more than 280 professionals across offices in Ireland, Germany, and the UK. Working in partnership with our clients, we unlock the full potential of every project, transforming ambitious visions into successful outcomes while creating exciting opportunities for our people. At Cunningham you will be given the opportunity to excel in your career. Our people set us apart, and that’s why we invest in your journey from day one. Your expertise, ambition, and commitment will be recognised and rewarded as you build a successful career with us.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate People Assistant to join our People team on a short-term basis (3 months), with an immediate start available. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate, or someone who has completed a placement year in HR or a business-related discipline, to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, operational environment. You will play a vital role in ensuring our workforce is compliant, well-coordinated, and ready to operate on-site. This role offers valuable exposure to core People processes, including compliance, onboarding, and site operations, while working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Location: Newry
Duration: 3 Months (Fixed Term Contract)
Department: People / HR
This is a varied, fast-paced and hands-on role where you will take ownership of key tasks and see them through to completion, making a real impact from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and book mandatory compliance and training sessions for employees
- Support the onboarding process for subcontractors, including setting them up on internal systems
- Carry out validation and compliance checks prior to site access
- Ensure all documentation and records are accurate, up to date, and audit-ready
- Engage with internal stakeholders, managers, and external partners to ensure smooth processes
- Track and follow up on outstanding actions to ensure completion
- Provide general administrative support to the People team
About You
We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and thrives on getting things done. You will have:
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- The ability to take ownership of tasks and see them through to completion
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- Confident communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
Desirable:
- A degree in HR, Business, or a related field
- Some prior experience (placement, internship, or part-time) in a business, HR, training, or administrative role
- Experience coordinating training or working with systems/data
Why Join Us?
- Gain valuable, practical experience within a People/HR function
- Develop skills across compliance, coordination, and stakeholder engagement
- Work in a collaborative team environment
- Build a strong foundation for a career in HR or business operations
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover note outlining your interest in the role.
Company Values
At Cunningham, our culture is built on four core values that guide how we work, lead, and collaborate. All employees are expected to demonstrate these values consistently in their day-to-day role:
- Trust
- Respect
- Can Do
- Teamwork
Cunningham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
Graduate People Assistant in Newry employer: CUNNINGHAM
Cunningham is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a dynamic work environment in Newry where recent graduates can gain invaluable hands-on experience in HR. With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, Cunningham fosters a culture of trust and respect, ensuring that every team member's contributions are recognised and rewarded. Join us to kickstart your career in a supportive setting that values teamwork and provides opportunities for professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate People Assistant in Newry
✨Connect on Campus
If you’re off to an HR internship, hit up your university career services! They often have connections with local businesses looking to hire interns. Attend any job fairs or networking events they organise, and don’t forget to check out the posters around campus for openings!
✨Join HR Communities
Get involved in HR-specific student groups or forums, either on campus or online. These communities can provide insider info on internships and upcoming opportunities. Plus, networking with fellow students already in the HR scene can lead to recommendations or leads on vacancies.
✨Keep it Personal
When applying, don’t just send generic applications. Instead, tailor your cover letter to highlight your interest in HR and any relevant projects or coursework. Mention specific skills like communication and organisation that are essential in HR roles—this will catch the eye of hiring managers at companies like CUNNINGHAM.
✨Follow Up with Flair
After sending your application to CUNNINGHAM, consider sending a friendly follow-up email a week later. Express your enthusiasm for the role and politely ask about the status of your application. Being proactive shows your interest and keeps you top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate People Assistant in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, your ability to communicate effectively is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in teamwork or conflict resolution. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated group dynamics or helped others!
Express Your Passion for Learning:As this is an internship, we're particularly interested in your motivation to learn and grow in the role. In your cover letter, emphasise why you want to dive into HR and how you see this opportunity benefiting your career path. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application to Us:Let’s talk specifics. Use the job description from CUNNINGHAM to tailor your application—highlight skills or coursework that directly relate to the role. Don't hesitate to mention any HR-related projects or coursework you've done; it shows us that you're already invested and engaged in the field.
Utilise Your Network:If you've had any internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer experiences in HR or related fields, mention them! Show us how these experiences have equipped you with relevant skills or insights. Plus, if you know someone in the industry, mention any discussions you've had; it could set you apart from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at CUNNINGHAM
✨Get Your Recruitment Basics Down
Familiarise yourself with fundamental recruitment processes and HR terminology. They might ask you about recruitment cycles, candidate sourcing strategies, or how to handle applicant tracking systems. Even if it’s just an internship, demonstrating a good grasp of these basics can really set you apart!
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As an HR intern, you’ll be dealing with people all the time, so be prepared to showcase scenarios that highlight your interpersonal skills. Think about your past experiences – even if they’re from group projects or part-time jobs – and be ready to discuss how you effectively managed communication or resolved conflicts.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural interview questions that focus on how you handle specific situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses. If you can showcase your problem-solving skills with real examples, you’ll shine during the interview.
✨Bring Your Passion for HR
Let your enthusiasm for human resources shine through. Discuss ways you’ve engaged with HR topics outside formal education, be it through workshops, relevant articles, or even joining HR clubs. This can show that you’re genuinely interested in progressing in the field, which can be a real plus for CUNNINGHAM.
