At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR activities and gain hands-on experience in the employee lifecycle.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading organisation focused on employee experience.
- Benefits: Earn a Level 3 CIPD qualification while enjoying career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence needed; travel to service centres may be required.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career with real-world experience and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for HR, strong organisational skills, and basic IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual to join our People Services team as an Apprentice. This role offers a fantastic entry point into HR, providing hands‑on experience across the full employee lifecycle while working towards a recognised Level 3 CIPD qualification. As part of the People Services team, you will play a key role in supporting colleagues and managers with day‑to‑day HR activities. You’ll gain exposure to all stages of the employee lifecycle—from onboarding new starters and maintaining employee records, through to supporting internal moves, absence management, and off‑boarding processes. Our team is central to delivering a smooth and positive employee experience, ensuring HR processes are completed accurately, compliantly, and with a strong customer‑focused approach. This apprenticeship will provide you with the opportunity to develop essential HR skills while actively contributing to the team’s goal of supporting our people throughout their journey with the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting with employee lifecycle activities, including onboarding, internal changes, and off‑boarding processes
- Supporting the preparation, issuing, and maintenance of employee documentation and records
- Processing employment checks, including DBS applications, renewals, and right‑to‑work verification
- Managing employment references and ensuring timely completion
- Maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date employee records across HR systems, ensuring compliance with company policies and legislation
- Providing day‑to‑day administrative and operational support to the People Services team
- Acting as a first point of contact for employee queries, responding in a timely, professional, and customer‑focused manner
- Supporting HR compliance activities, audits, and data quality checks to ensure adherence to internal and external standards
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual who is eager to learn and build a career in Human Resources within a People Services environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in HR and supporting the employee lifecycle
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
- A willingness to learn and take initiative in a fast‑paced team environment
- Good communication skills, with a professional and customer‑focused approach
- The ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Basic IT skills and confidence using systems and Microsoft Office tools
- A positive attitude and a collaborative mindset when supporting colleagues and the wider business
Please note, from time to time there may be a requirement to travel to different service centres around the UK, so a Full UK driving licence is essential.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to complete a Level 3 CIPD Apprenticeship qualification
- Hands‑on experience across a wide range of HR activities
- Supportive team environment with opportunities to develop
- Exposure to real business operations and HR best practices
- Career progression opportunities within People Services or HR
About the Team
The People Services team plays a key role in supporting the business by ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of the employee lifecycle. From onboarding new colleagues to supporting internal changes and managing off‑boarding processes, the team ensures every stage is handled accurately and with care. We are responsible for maintaining compliant and up‑to‑date employee records, ensuring all colleagues have the correct documentation in place, and that HR processes align with relevant legislation and internal policies. With a strong focus on service and continuous improvement, the team works collaboratively to provide a positive and consistent employee experience, supporting both employees and managers across the organisation.
How to Apply
If you’re looking to start your career in HR and want to gain valuable experience while studying towards a recognised qualification, we’d love to hear from you.
People Services Apprentice employer: Ultimate.ai
Join our People Services team as a People Services Apprentice at East Midlands Airport or Southern Hub, where you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in HR while working towards a Level 3 CIPD qualification. Our supportive work culture fosters growth and collaboration, ensuring you develop essential skills across the employee lifecycle in a dynamic environment that prioritises a positive employee experience. With opportunities for career progression and a focus on continuous improvement, this role is an excellent starting point for your HR career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Services Apprentice
✨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 People Services Apprentice
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 Ultimate.ai.
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 Ultimate.ai. Let your enthusiasm shine through—it makes a huge difference!
Tailor Your Application for Ultimate.ai:Do some digging on Ultimate.ai 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 Ultimate.ai
✨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 Ultimate.ai.
✨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 Ultimate.ai.
✨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 Ultimate.ai.
✨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 Ultimate.ai and what aspects of HR you're most keen to explore – this will resonate well with interviewers looking for motivated candidates.