HR Apprenticeship

Welcome to Markel where we take great pride in what we do. To us, insurance isn’t just a policy – it’s a vital promise that gives people and businesses the confidence to move forward, each and every day. Here, you’ll find exceptional people, without the ego. People who’ll bring out your best, and support you at every step, because it’s who we are and the secret to our success.

We are a leading global speciality insurer with a truly people first‑approach. With over 5,000 employees across the globe, finding creative solutions for complex risks is our passion. And our broad array of tools and knowledge allows us to create tailored coverage solutions for even the most complex needs.

Our international business is made up of two core divisions: Wholesale and National Markets, through these we offer innovative products and services. Our international business is located throughout UK, Europe, Canada and Asia Pacific.

We pride ourselves on having accessible leadership, an inclusive culture and a focus on empowerment‑we call this The Markel Style. This is brought to life through our employee‑led networks via ‘The Style In Action’, which are centred around inclusion, community, well‑being, recognition and innovation.

Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations around the world.

We’ve come a long way since Sam Markel dreamed big in 1930, but in our eyes, our journey is just getting started. Come see what you can achieve by applying for one of our open vacancies.

We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further

The Opportunity (Start Date ASAP)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Markel International’s HR team as an apprentice. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the team, gaining hands‑on experience within our HR Business Partner (HRBP) function. You’ll support core HR activities and develop insight into how we partner with the business. In addition, you’ll have exposure to areas such as talent development, helping you build a broader understanding of how we support employee growth and engagement. This role is designed to build foundational HR knowledge and equip you with the skills to grow a long‑term career in HR.

What you’ll be doing:

• Support the HRBP team with HR related administration covering end to end employee lifecycle administration (eg preparing leaver letters, internal transfer letters, secondment letters, compensation change letters, onboarding letters).
• Manage and update HR systems with all key personnel information, including Workday transactions such as employee transfers, manager changes, supervisory organisation creation, compensation adjustments and terminations.
• Process family leave arrangements (eg parental leave, maternity leave).
• Manage employee queries relating to the terms of their employment and company policy.
• Assist with Employee Relations meetings (eg grievance and disciplinary).
• Support the Talent Development team with in‑person training and other events, including room setup, liaising with IT, Reception, and catering, and preparing printed materials.

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll get support every step of the way – we know that starting out in a new role and industry can be daunting but Markel’s ego‑free environment gives you all the support that you need to go further and achieve great things.
• Your development doesn’t just stop after your programme. Markel are committed to you and your long‑term career -there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that!
• A genuine culture of camaraderie – at Markel, our shared values aren’t buzzwords. We really mean what we say in the Markel Style, and walk the talk, every day.
• Enjoy your free coffee as you admire 360 degree views of London from our office on the 27th floor of the Walkie Talkie building!
• Be part of our growing early careers community – through 121 buddy support, socials and other events you will have every opportunity to network and build great relationships with your peers both inside and outside of Markel.
• Competitive starting salary with an excellent package – including private medical insurance, financial education, hybrid work structure, gym discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, motor breakdown cover, income protection and additional countless benefits that will be shared at the first stage of the process!

Our must haves:

Markel are looking for candidates who:

• Have a strong interest in HR
• Are collaborative, loves building relationships, brings out the best in others, making our culture the stuff of envy.
• Can build and maintain relationships with colleagues through strong written and verbal communication.
• Always ensure a high level of integrity and discretion, as confidentiality and sensitivity must be maintained.
• Are driven individuals who are able to work at a fast pace.
• Possess good IT (Microsoft Office) skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and the ability to learn in‑house systems.
• Are always looking for ways to innovate and improve what we do.
• Are proactive and committed to making a meaningful difference everyday.
• Have achieved 3 A-levels grade C or above or grades equivalent to 96 UCAS points.
• Achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or C or above (or equivalent qualification).

Are you ready to play your part?

It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest in these roles, and we’ll support you throughout the full application process.