At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our People and Culture Team as an HR Apprentice, supporting various HR functions.
- Company: Work at the House of Commons, a vibrant hub of UK democracy with over 3,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and interest-free loans for travel or cycling.
- Why this job: Gain unique experience in a dynamic environment while contributing to British democracy.
- Qualifications: No degree needed; just be 18+ and ready to learn with excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Complete a CIPD Level 3 Apprenticeship and develop your HR expertise over 18 months.
18 months fixed term with possibility of extension and/or permanency.
Working Pattern: Full Time
Location: Hybrid (on-site and remote)
Leave entitlement: Starting at 30 days per annum, pro-rata.
Closing Date: 14th July 2025 at 23:55
Interview Date(s): Interviews provisionally scheduled for 22nd - 31st July 2025.
The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day-to-day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.
This role will sit in the People and Culture Team and fall under the banner of the 'Speaker's Apprenticeship Academy'. Now in its second year, the 'Speaker's Apprenticeship Academy' aims to work to widen the House Service talent pool by providing additional support to early career starters. Apprentices will have the unique opportunity to learn and develop their skills in the UK Parliament, the home of British democracy.
We're not looking for politics experts; we want to hear from candidates who might not have previously considered the House of Commons as a workplace option, and who are early in their careers and not in full-time education. You will need to be 18 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship. If you're looking for an apprenticeship in an exciting workplace where no two days are the same, this could be the role for you.
The People and Culture Team (PACT) provides a range of people-related services to the staff of the House of Commons, Parliamentary Digital Service and Restoration and Renewal Client Team, as well as Members of Parliament and their staff.
This is an apprenticeship role where you will study as part of your work and upon successful completion will be eligible to register with the CIPD as an Associate Member (Assoc CIPD). You will work in a variety of our teams across People and Culture during your time including Resourcing, People Management Team and the Reward and Engagement Team.
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
- To develop knowledge and experience across the HR spectrum, including professional development through achieving the CIPD Level 3 Apprenticeship.
- To support members of the relevant team in all admin tasks, and the PACT team more widely where required.
- Maintenance of appropriate paper and electronic records.
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
- Excellent inter-personal and customer service skills, including the ability to build and maintain good working relationships, within a team and with the ability to actively help and support others.
- Good oral and written communication skills, including an ability to explain processes and to draft clear correspondence using Microsoft applications (such as Word or Outlook).
- Able to organise, plan and prioritise your own time, completing tasks within given timescales.
- Able to deal with sensitive and confidential matters, exercising tact and discretion at all times.
- Able to work inclusively, showing sensitivity to others and demonstrating openness to diverse views and opinions.
Please note, as this role is an apprenticeship, there is no requirement to have a degree qualification. If you have a degree in an unrelated subject to apprenticeship qualification then you are eligible to apply.
Next Steps and Additional Information:
- If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 2, 3 & 6 in the Job Description.
- Most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
- We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
Information Session: There will be an information session for this role on Wednesday 9th July at 13:15 via MS Teams.
HR Apprentice employer: Houston Baptist University
Contact Detail:
Houston Baptist University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the House of Commons and its People and Culture Team. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices from the Speaker's Apprenticeship Academy. They can provide valuable insights into the application process and what to expect during the apprenticeship, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common HR scenarios. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Attend the information session on 9th July. This is a great opportunity to ask questions directly and make a positive impression before the interview process even begins.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the HR Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Address Key Criteria: Make sure to provide evidence against criteria 2, 3, and 6 as specified in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and abilities relevant to these criteria.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the House of Commons. Explain why you are interested in this apprenticeship and how it fits into your career aspirations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston Baptist University
✨Research the House of Commons
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the House of Commons and its role in the UK government. Understanding its functions and values will help you demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As an HR Apprentice, you'll need excellent interpersonal skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you've built relationships or supported others in previous roles or experiences, even if they were informal.
✨Prepare for Common HR Questions
Familiarise yourself with common HR-related interview questions, such as those about handling sensitive information or resolving conflicts. Think about how you would respond and relate your answers to the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role requires good organisational abilities. Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritise tasks, perhaps by sharing a specific example from your studies or previous work experience.