HR Apprentice

At Smiths we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver smarter engineering solutions for mission-critical applications, solving some of the world's toughest problems for our customers, our communities and our world. We are a FTSE100, global business of around 15,000 colleagues, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity, and supporting new homes.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a 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 gaining a CIPD Level 3 Apprenticeship. 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.

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.

• 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.

• Support the HR team in managing employee offboarding, including processing leaver documentation.
• Ensure timely coordination with payroll to finalise final payments.

• Manage the enrolment process for employees joining the company’s charitable giving scheme.

• Support employees with general pension-related queries.

• 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.

• 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

• Hold 5 GCSE’s to include grade 4 or above for Maths & English
• Ideally hold A-Levels, T-Level or a BTEC
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Great attention to detail

Additional information

Why Smiths? Be Part of Something Big: As we expand our footprint across APAC and MEA, you’ll play a key role in building the teams that will define our future. Growth Opportunities: At Smiths, we believe in your growth as much as our own. You’ll have the chance to shape your career and expand your leadership capabilities in an ever-evolving global landscape. Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team where innovation and fresh ideas are encouraged. Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive work environment.

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 our career’s website.