HR Support Apprentice

About us 

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve.

The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Our primary outcomes at Key Stage 2 now sit 27% above the national average, with five out of the seven in the top 5% in the country for combined outcomes. Three of our primary schools – De Lacy, Carleton Park and Larks Hill – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their most recent Ofsted inspections.

Our secondary schools Key Stage 4 results for English, Maths and Science are well above national average and both schools had successful visits from Ofsted in 2024 and 2022.

About the role 

The Trust’s central team is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and hardworking HR Support Apprentice to join our team on a fixed term 18-month contract. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the HR & People Manager. 

We are looking for a candidate who has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with others, and can work effectively as part of a team, but can also work independently using their own initiative.  Attention to detail and organisational skills are key, as is excellent communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.     

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing effective administrative support to the HR Team across a range of HR functions.  This includes recruitment, onboarding, training, employee relations, HR systems and general HR administration, whilst working towards achieving the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship qualification which will take 15 months to complete.  

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.  

Key Responsibilities: 

1. HR Administration 

• Assist in maintaining employee records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. 
• Support the preparation of HR documents such as contracts, offer letters, and reference requests. 
• Help maintain and update the HR information system 
• Respond to queries from schools in relation to basic HR issues 

2. Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Post job adverts on job boards and trust website. 
• Support in shortlisting candidates and scheduling interviews. 
• Support with pre-employment checks and reviewing the Single Central Record 
• Help with onboarding tasks including preparing induction packs, coordinating induction sessions, and new starter paperwork. 

3. Employee Support 

• Process changes such as promotions, transfers, leavers, etc. 
• Maintain absence records and support sickness/leave tracking. 

4. Training & Development 

• Assist in coordinating internal and external training. 
• Maintain training records and help evaluate learning effectiveness. 
• Support compliance with mandatory training requirements. 

5. HR Policies and Procedures 

• Support communication of HR policies and ensure these are accessible to staff. 
• Assist in monitoring compliance with Trust procedures. 

6. Projects and Continuous Improvement 

• Participate in HR improvement projects and initiatives. 
• Assist in gathering data for reports and metrics to support HR planning and decision-making. 

What can we offer you?  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing. 
• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals. 
• Generous employer pension- (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS) 
• Generous annual leave entitlements (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays) 
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Blue Light card 
• Discounted gym membership   
• Free eyecare via Specsavers  
• Childcare vouchers  
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)  
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2 
• Free flu vaccinations. 

Key Dates 

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 7th July 2025 
• Interviews to be held Wednesday 16th July 2025 
• Start date: Monday 1st September 2025 

Application Process 

• Complete an application form in SamPeople Recruit via our website  

Important Links 

• Pontefract Academies Trust Website 
• Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 

Contact Information 

• Tel 01977 232146
• Email recruitment@.patrust.org.uk 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.