Human resources officer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You'll usually need a a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in human resources management. You could also get a combined degree such as business management and human resources, or a similar related subject. Some companies have general management or human resources graduate training schemes.
Postgraduate qualifications in human resource management are also available.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. For a degree you'll also need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent. A degree in any subject is the standard for a postgraduate course.
College
Employers may prefer you to have relevant qualifications like those offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
You can study qualifications like a CIPD Level 5 Award in Human Resource, a CIPD Level 5 Certificate/Diploma in Human Resources Management or a Level 5 Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this role through a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship as a HR Consultant.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You could start as an business administrator in a company's HR department, and work your way up through training and promotion.
Other Routes
You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Human resources officer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- knowledge of human resources and employment law
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to read English
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Human resources officer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your daily tasks may include:
- dealing with complaints and discipline procedures
- assisting in the recruitment of new employees
- working with other managers
- improving employees' experiences of the workplace
- keeping employee records
- helping people get training and development
- making sure employees have the right pay and benefits
- arranging employee services such as welfare and counselling
- promoting equality and health and safety
- advising on matters like pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law
- developing HR policies and procedures
- recording and analysing confidential information
- writing employee handbooks
- dealing with staff at all levels
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Career path and progression - Human resources officer apprenticeships
You could become a member of CIPD to show your professional status and continue your professional development.
With experience, you could progress into senior management. You could also set up your own consultancy offering recruitment services or advice on policy planning.