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HR Apprenticeships

Thinking about a career in Human Resources? It's an industry with global opportunities and multiple career paths.

Here's the best part: you don't need A-Levels or a degree to get started. If you're about to finish school, an HR apprenticeship will help you gain all the work experience and qualifications you need to get ahead and build a career for life.

Read our guide to HR apprenticeships and discover what apprenticeships are out there, how they work, and how you get started.

Can you get an apprenticeship in HR?

Absolutely! HR apprenticeships are a practical way to start your career while earning a salary and gaining real-world experience.

There's much more to HR than you might think. As an apprentice, you'll learn about recruitment processes, employee relations, employment law, and health and safety compliance. You'll discover how to support workplace culture, manage performance reviews, handle payroll and benefits, and use HR systems that keep companies running smoothly.

Qualified HR professionals are in high demand across every industry. Whether you want to work in recruitment, learning and development, employee engagement, or HR strategy, an apprenticeship will open up opportunities in corporate companies, public sector organisations, charities, and beyond. The skills you build are transferable and valuable wherever your career takes you.


What does an HR apprentice do?

HR apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on work experience with studying for a qualification, and are open to literally anyone 16 or over. It's a fantastic way to build your career in human resources, all without student debt. Plus, you'll be earning a salary the entire time.

Think recruiting new talent, welcoming employees on their first day, keeping personnel systems up to date, and organising learning and development programs. You could be processing payroll, helping resolve workplace concerns, or heading up employee wellbeing. Every task gives you insight into what makes workplaces tick and builds the expertise that every organisation needs.

More students like you are choosing apprenticeships to help them jumpstart their careers sooner. 

Read what one apprentice thought about their time at Morrisons:

Great programme, learnt a lot and really enjoyed the content. Delivery was all on line and really suited me and my learning style. As well as the amazing support from my manager throughout, I felt fully prepared for gateway by time I was in gateway.

Apprenticeship Specialist Morrisons

How long is an HR apprenticeship?

Depending on which level you choose, you'll spend between one and five years in an HR apprenticeship.

Most level 3 apprenticeships take 12-18 months to complete. Pursuing a degree apprenticeship, you'll spend between three and five years building your career while studying.

The advantage? While you're earning and gaining hands-on experience, you're also building a strong CV. By the time you complete your apprenticeship, you'll have substantial work experience that sets you apart in the job market.


What apprenticeships are there in HR?

Loads! You’ve got options from Level 2 right up until Level 7, depending on where you are in your education journey.

Here’s a quick look at some of the HR apprenticeships you could explore.

Level 2

  • Recruitment Resourcer

  • Business Administrator

  • Business support

  • Customer Service Advisor

Level 3

  • Learning and Development Practitioner

  • HR Support

  • Recruitment Consultant

  • Team Leader / Supervisor

Level 4/5 (Higher)

  • HR Consultant / Partner

  • Operations / Departmental Manager

  • Regulatory Compliance Officer

Level 6 (Degree)

  • Chartered Manager

  • Senior Leader

  • Improvement Leader

Your qualifications determine your starting level.

Fresh from GCSEs? You'll begin with Level 2 or 3, depending on your grades. Finished A-Levels? You can dive straight into Level 4 or even a degree-equivalent Level 6 apprenticeship. Find the level that matches your current qualifications and future goals.


What could a day as an HR apprentice look like?

I am a People Business Partner, responsible for supporting leaders and teams to deliver organisational goals through effective people strategies. On a day-to-day basis, I work closely with managers to provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, and talent development. I partner with stakeholders to implement HR policies, drive engagement initiatives, and ensure compliance with employment legislation. My role also involves analysing workforce data, advising on organisational change, and collaborating on projects that enhance culture and capability across the business.

People Business Partner NHS Property Services

Want to discover what it’s really like to be an HR apprentice?

We’ve got you covered with thousands of student-written reviews. Get started below.

READ HR APPRENTICESHIP JOB REVIEWS

What is the highest-paying apprenticeship?

As an HR apprentice, you'll earn a competitive salary while you learn. The amount you're paid depends on your age, the level of apprenticeship, and your employer.

On average, HR apprentices earn just over £24,600 per year. Depending on the apprenticeship program, this can increase each year as you progress. Here's how much you could earn per level according to our student-written reviews:

£17,000
Level 2
£22,000
Level 3
£27,500
Level 4/5
£27,000
Degree Apprenticeship

You’re a full-time employee. So you'll get the full package from day one - salary, holiday time, and all the same perks as everyone else at the company.


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