HR Apprentice

The role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters (GHQ) at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, in Cheshire, UK. At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century. Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide. Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community. Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious HR Apprentice to join our HR Service Delivery Team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to begin their career in Human Resources and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, professional environment. As an integral member of the team, the HR Apprentice will play a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality HR services across the business. The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities with professionalism and a positive attitude. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop a broad foundation in HR, as you will be involved in a wide range of administrative tasks that span the entire employee lifecycle—from onboarding new starters, supporting family leave processes, and managing benefits administration, through to coordinating leaver procedures.

The Role

The HR Apprentice will report to the HR Service Delivery Manager on an initial 2-year fixed term contract, with the potential to convert to a permanent role on the successful completion of the apprenticeship. The role is based at our global Headquarters, Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, UK and is ideally suited to recent graduates, school leavers or those seeking a new career path. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to complete their level 3 CIPD qualification whilst in post. Please note that the SKAO office is based in a remote, rural location without access to public transport and the successful candidate will be required to arrange their own transport to the site. We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for this role visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal. SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

The successful candidate will be mentored and trained to undertake various aspects of HR, including:

• Service Desk & Ticket Management
• Respond to staff queries submitted via the HR Jira ticketing system, ensuring timely resolution in accordance with defined SLAs
• Monitor, categorise, and track HR service tickets to identify trends and recurring issues for continuous improvement
• Collaborate with HR colleagues and relevant departments to escalate and resolve complex issues promptly
• Onboarding
• Support with onboarding new starters globally, ensuring the correct documentation is returned in a timely manner, they are set up on all relevant systems and all inductions have been organised
• Promote a positive onboarding experience
• Contract & Records Administration
• Draft and process contract extensions, contract amendment letters, and other HR documentation in line with employee life cycle as instructed and with guidance
• Learn how to maintain accurate personnel files and update digital records, ensuring confidentiality
• Operational Support
• Assist with day-to-day HR operations, including leave administration, benefits processing etc
• Liaise with Finance and Payroll teams to ensure HR-related data is up to date and accurately reflected for payroll
• Policy & Process Support
• Support implementation of new HR initiatives, tools, and process improvements with support from the HR Service Delivery team
• Participate in the documentation and review of HR processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
• Self Learning & Development
• Participate in training sessions and shadow experienced HR staff to gain knowledge of HR policies, systems, and best practices.
• Engage in continuous learning and development activities throughout the apprenticeship

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks effectively
• A collaborative team player with a positive and proactive attitude
• A good level of professionalism and respect for confidentiality
• Good IT skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills in HR

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous work experience in an office, retail, or customer-facing role
• Experience using spreadsheets for data entry or reporting
• Experience of handling confidential or sensitive information
• Basic knowledge of HR best practices or employment law

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda. Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background. Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries. The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.