At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the HR team with recruitment, employee relations, and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a leading employer in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, supportive environment, and potential for career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model after initial training and be part of a diverse community.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career with hands-on training and mentorship at a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English required; passion for HR is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 22000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join the University of Oxford as a Human Resources Apprentice in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, with a track record of providing a comprehensive level of development to Apprentices and supporting them to achieve their goals. You will have the opportunity to develop full knowledge of the HR lifecycle.
We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 17,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
You will be passionate about starting your career in Human Resources and excited about the opportunity of becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford. You may be starting your career or you may be looking for a career change.
You will be provided with the opportunity to develop full knowledge of the HR lifecycle, from planning recruitment and on-boarding new staff, to the end of fixed-term contracts and retirement planning. You will work to support the HR team with induction and payroll, reward and recognition, employee relations, and engagement. You will regularly interact with all members of the department and will learn to provide advice on university procedures and policies covering a range of issues such as employee welfare, maternity/paternity and absence management. You will provide a professional, high-quality customer-focused service.
Responsibilities:- The HR Apprentice will be fully trained to provide essential support to the NDCN HR team.
- Act as first point of contact for enquiries from employees, line managers and the general public by telephone, email and face to face, answering straightforward questions or redirecting as appropriate.
- Learn how to manage the HR inbox where required, dealing with appropriate queries or directing emails to the relevant HR contact.
- Learn how to use the University’s HR system, PeopleXD, to enter confidential, personal data, and assist with data entry into internal databases and spreadsheets.
- Accurately maintain all confidential electronic and paper-based personnel files.
- With support, prepare a wide range of written communications including; contracts, letters and wider communications. This could include drafting and updating information on the HR pages of the website, and helping to prepare training material.
- Edit job advertisements and job descriptions to ensure that they comply with University guidance and best practice.
- Learn about recruitment processes, assisting with the administration of recruitment exercises which will include; placing advertisements, generating letters to applicants and preparing short listing packs.
- Assist with maintaining personnel files, ensuring accurate records are kept, that they are complete and up-to-date, and support our project to move our physical files to electronic.
- Develop skills and understanding that contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR activities.
- Assist in preparing HR metrics and various reports for the termly Committees and monthly meetings.
- Assist with the delivery of projects across the HR team; working with different team members on a varied array of projects, liaising with colleagues across the department to gather information and support successful delivery.
- Book meeting rooms and make administrative arrangements in support of HR team activities.
- Learn how to manage the recording and tracking of sickness absence and annual leave using PeopleXD or similar HR system. Act as first point of contact for associated queries.
- Gather information for visa applications where necessary.
- Assist with the compilation of data for HESA returns, HR Data returns and run ad hoc reports from the HR database when required.
- Learn how to monitor end of probationary periods and visa expiry dates and highlight any issues to the Senior HR Advisor.
- To develop and maintain the NDCN academic visitor database.
- Run monthly Staff in post and other PeopleXD Reports. Manage HR data quality.
- Undertake other duties in the department from time to time as determined commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of this post, and any other reasonable request.
Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career.
Skills Required:- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- MS Excel, Outlook and Word
- Discretion / confidentiality
- Able to manage workload
- Accuracy
- Proactive
- Willingness
- Interest in HR career
Essential - GCSE - Maths and English Language - A*-C/9-4 or equivalent.
Course Information:Course: HR support (level 3)
Level: 3
Route: Business and administration
Apprenticeship Level: Advanced
Working Week: Monday- Friday, office hours. Hybrid working may be available after an initial period and in consultation with your line manager.
Expected Duration: 1 Year 7 Months
Training Provider: ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
HR Apprentice - University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters creativity and innovation in neuroscience. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Apprentice - University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
✨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 HR Apprentice - University of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
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 University of Oxford.
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 University of Oxford. Let your enthusiasm shine through—it makes a huge difference!
Tailor Your Application for University of Oxford:Do some digging on University of Oxford 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 University of Oxford
✨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 University of Oxford.
✨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 University of Oxford.
✨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 University of Oxford.
✨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 University of Oxford and what aspects of HR you're most keen to explore – this will resonate well with interviewers looking for motivated candidates.
