At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations while learning about employee benefits and administrative processes.
- Company: Join John Crane, a global leader in flow control solutions with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Gain a Level 5 CIPD qualification, enjoy flexible working, and be part of an inclusive culture.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team and engage in employee resource groups for networking.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career with hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; HR experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission‑critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations.
Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies.
We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide.
We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.
John Crane is part of Smiths Group.
For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future.
We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better‑connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial.
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.
Job Description
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Level 5 HR Apprentice to join the HR Operations Team reporting to the People Partners, Team Lead.
As a HR Apprentice you will be learning the theory behind core areas of HR while working towards The People Professional CIPD Level 5 Apprenticeship standard (which should take approx. 24 months to complete).
The apprenticeship will enable you to learn how HR supports an organisation and the culture of the business, while developing a deep understanding of how your role supports colleagues and our business goals.
You will also be supporting with administrative support to help coordinate a wide variety of HR activities, full training will be provided for you to learn about our whole lifecycle of activities related to company vehicles, employee benefit schemes, and administrative processes.
You will also be given time to work toward your Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management with our training provider BPP.
The learning for this apprenticeship will be via online webinars and coaching and training in soft skills from our Early Careers team and the opportunity to join our internal
- Apprentice
- Steering
Group: Next Gen.
This role is based from our John Crane site within Slough working Monday to Friday normal office hours.
This position will require regular travel to the Smiths Group site at London Blackfriars.
Smiths Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to crafting an inclusive environment for all employees.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to)
- Fleet Administration
- Process company car orders: liaise with employees, Finance, Payroll, and HMRC.
- Manage rental bookings for new hires including license checks and delivery coordination.
- Administer fuel card requests and maintain accurate records.
- Update and maintain MOT, toll, and vehicle databases.
- Manage P46 tax form preparation and submission.
- Administer EV Salary Scheme orders and documentation.
- Track and process company car fines, ensuring correct payroll deductions.
- Employee Benefits Administration
- Enrol employees into AXA, BUPA, LAYA (Ireland), Simply Health, Specsavers Eye Care, Childcare Vouchers, Cycle to Work, and Hapi Benefits, Pension and Charitable schemes.
- Maintain up-to‑date Excel trackers for payroll deductions and benefits reporting.
- Coordinate yearly renewals and application collection for benefit schemes.
- Liaise with Finance to ensure timely invoice payments and reconciliations.
- Offboarding Process Management
- Support the HR team in managing employee offboarding, including processing leaver documentation.
- Ensure timely coordination with payroll to finalise final payments.
- Charitable Scheme Administration
- Manage the enrolment process for employees joining the company’s charitable giving scheme.
- Pension Scheme Support
- Support employees with general pension‑related queries.
- Leave & Absence Tracking
- Monitor and maintain records of long‑term sickness absences, maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
- Ensure relevant documents are submitted and in place, and update HR systems accordingly.
- General HR Support
- Send relevant communications to Payroll, and HR teams.
- Handle ad hoc HR administrative requests and support process improvements.
- Maintain compliance with internal procedures and external regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
- Minimum of six months work‑related experience in a HR role
- Hold 5 GCSE’s to include grade 4 or above for Maths & English
- Ideally hold A‑Levels, T‑Level or a BTEC and/or a Level 3 HR Apprenticeship qualification
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Great attention to detail
- Additional Information
With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity.
To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other.
Our cross‑business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity.
Across our company, we recognise excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward.
We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing.
Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through the careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc ).
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Apprentice HR Administrator Human Resources - John Crane - Slough employer: Smiths Group plc.
At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Hemel Hempstead. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages teamwork across IT, engineering, and operations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company where your expertise in cybersecurity will make a meaningful impact on global safety and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice HR Administrator Human Resources - John Crane - Slough
✨Get Involved with Local HR Events
Look for local HR events, workshops, or networking evenings in your area. Getting involved in these communities is a fab way to meet professionals already in the field, learn from their experiences, and even get your name out there—who knows, they might even have leads on apprenticeships!
✨Utilise University Career Services
Don’t forget to tap into your university's career services—they're your best buddy for finding apprenticeship opportunities. They often have insider connections with companies looking to recruit apprentices, so be sure to get your name on their radar!
✨Use Social Media Wisely
Follow organisations you're interested in on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, and engage with their posts. This helps you stay updated on their apprenticeship opportunities and shows your interest in the company's culture—plus, you might even catch the eye of hiring managers!
✨Show Off Your HR Knowledge
Create a blog or share posts around HR topics that interest you. This not only showcases your knowledge and passion but can also serve as a portfolio piece that sets you apart from other candidates. Companies are always looking for individuals who take initiative and have an informed perspective!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice HR Administrator Human Resources - John Crane - Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In the world of human resources, it's all about how well you can connect with others. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight any experiences you've had working in teams, resolving conflicts, or helping others—this is what HR is all about! Include any relevant voluntary work or part-time jobs that showcase your knack for communication and support.
Get Familiar with HR Tools:Even as an apprentice, it helps to show that you’ve got a grasp on the tools of the trade. Mention any experience you have with HR software, databases, or even just cool initiatives you've learned about in school. This can really set you apart and show that you're eager to dive into the HR world at Smiths Group plc..
Explain Your Motivation:As an apprenticeship role, employers want to see your passion and willingness to learn. Use your cover letter to unpack why HR excites you and what you hope to gain from the apprenticeship with Smiths Group plc.. Let your enthusiasm shine through—it makes a huge difference!
Tailor Your Application for Smiths Group plc.:Do some digging on Smiths Group plc. and reflect that in your application. Mention specific aspects of their HR practices or company values that resonate with you. This personal touch shows that you genuinely want to be part of their team and not just any HR role. Remember, we’re here to help you shine, so make sure to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group plc.
✨Get Familiar with HR Basics
As we're diving into an apprenticeship in human resources, make sure you grasp key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employee relations, and workplace legislation. Being able to discuss these topics will show your understanding and enthusiasm for the field, particularly when chatting with Smiths Group plc..
✨Showcase Your People Skills
In HR, it's all about managing relationships. Prep some examples from school or previous work where you've successfully dealt with conflicts or collaborated with others. This will highlight your interpersonal skills, which are crucial for an apprenticeship at Smiths Group plc..
✨Research Common HR Tools
Get to know some HR software and tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or performance management systems that are commonly used in the industry. Familiarity with these will give you an edge in the interview, demonstrating your readiness to jump into the role at Smiths Group plc..
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
During your interview, make it clear how excited you are about the learning opportunities within this apprenticeship. Share why you chose this pathway with Smiths Group plc. and what aspects of HR you're most keen to explore – this will resonate well with interviewers looking for motivated candidates.