Hr Support Apprentice

Full Time - Fixed Term for 24 Months

It’s an exciting time for our HR service, over the last few years we’ve taken great strides to modernise the HR services provided to our customers, introducing self-service through a state-of-the-art HR System, transforming our resourcing function, delivering a council wide leadership development programme whilst developing an organisational culture through our Team Reading values. 

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. 

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. 

About the role 

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Human Resources team as an HR Apprentice. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to kick-start their career in HR and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and supportive work environment. 

Main duties will include: 
 

• Actively developing positive working relationships with all stakeholders when providing HR support services. 
• Provide support to core HR and OD activities as required.  
• Undertake or participate in tasks/projects, as part of HR & OD service plans and targets taking responsibility for own project or element of larger project. 
• Contribute ideas and suggestions on systems and procedures to improve the HR & OD service.  

You’ll be working towards completion of Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship standard.

Our Apprenticeship scheme provides a perfect way to earn a wage while you gain vital work experience and a nationally recognised qualification. You will be fully supported and mentored through your apprenticeship and be given time off to complete your training. 

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do 

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential 

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way 

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed. 

About you 

Our ideal candidate will have a keen interest in understanding how Human Resources and Organisational Development functions contribute to organisational success along with a strong commitment to learning and professional development. 

Good communication skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and ability to handle confidential information with discretion are key to success in this role.  

The following will help you to hit the ground running: 

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and ability to learn new systems quickly.  
• Time and workload management skills, and the ability to work independently, sometimes under pressure. 
• The ability to understand and follow processes and procedures. 

Our offer 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave 
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities  
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading 
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)  
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) 
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted 
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work 
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax 

For more information on this position please contact The Recruitment Team at Reading Borough Council

 
Closing Date: 25th February 2024 

Interview Date: To be confirmed 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.