Handling day to day queries and providing human resources advice ranging from recruitment through to retirement. The HR Support Level 3 apprenticeship is the perfect programme for aspiring HR professionals and managers with significant HR responsibilities. It teaches the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for individuals to have a successful career in HR.

Overview

HR Professionals in this role are typically either working in a medium to large organisation as part of the HR function delivering front line support to managers and employees, or are a HR Manager in a small organisation. Their work is likely to include handling day to day queries and providing HR advice; working on a range of HR processes, ranging from transactional to relatively complex, from recruitment through to retirement; using HR systems to keep records; providing relevant HR information to the business; working with the business on HR changes.

They will typically be taking ownership for providing advice to managers on a wide range of HR issues using company policy and current law, giving guidance that is compliant and where errors could expose the organisation to employment tribunals or legal risk. In a larger organisation they may also have responsibility for managing a small team – this aspect is outside the scope of this apprenticeship and will need to be covered separately by the employer.

Professionalism

Behaves in a professional way. This includes: personal presentation, respect, respecting and encouraging diversity to cater for wider audiences, punctuality and attitude to colleagues, customers and key stakeholders. Adheres to the organisation’s code of conduct for professional use of social media. Acts as a role model, contributing to team cohesion and productivity – representing the positive aspects of team culture and respectfully challenging inappropriate prevailing cultures

Personal Qualities

Shows exemplary qualities that are valued including integrity, reliability, self motivation, being pro-active and a positive attitude. Motivates others where responsibility is shared.

Managing Performance

Takes responsibility for their own work, accepts feedback in a positive way, uses initiative and shows resilience. Also takes responsibility for their own development, knows when to ask questions to complete a task and informs their line manager when a task is complete. Performs thorough self-assessments of their work and complies with the organisation’s procedures.

Adaptability

Is able to accept and deal with changing priorities related to both their own work and to the organisation.

Responsibility

Demonstrates taking responsibility for team performance and quality of projects delivered. Takes a clear interest in seeing that projects are successfully completed and customer requests handled appropriately. Takes initiative to develop own and others’ skills and behaviours.

Key skills they will develop

The successful apprentice may be eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) or any other professional body that recognises this apprenticeship within its membership criteria (membership is subject to the professional bodies own membership requirements).

It forms the foundation of a career within the profession, giving the base for further development through a career path within an organisation and/or through the HR Consultant/Partner apprenticeship. The apprentice can choose to stay within core HR or diversify into one of the specialist areas of HR.

HR Professionals in this role are typically either working in a medium to large organisation as part of the HR function delivering front line support to managers and employees, or are a HR Manager in a small organisation. Their work is likely to include handling day to day queries and providing HR advice; working on a range of HR processes, ranging from transactional to relatively complex, from recruitment through to retirement; using HR systems to keep records; providing relevant HR information to the business; working with the business on HR changes. They will typically be taking ownership for providing advice to managers on a wide range of HR issues using company policy and current law, giving guidance that is compliant and where errors could expose the organisation to employment tribunals or legal risk. In a larger organisation they may also have responsibility for managing a small team – this aspect is outside the scope of this apprenticeship and will need to be covered separately by the employer.

Knowledge

Business understanding

Understands the structure of the organisation; the products and services it delivers; the external market and sector within which it operates; where their role fits in the organisation; the ‘Values’ by which it operates and how these apply to their role.

HR Legislation and Policy

Basic understanding of HR in their sector and any unique features. Good understanding of HR legislation and the HR Policy framework of the organisation. Sound understanding of the HR Policies that are relevant to their role. Knows where to find expert advice.

HR Function

Understands the role and focus of HR within the organisation; its business plan / priorities and how these apply to their role.

HR Systems and Processes

Understands the systems, tools and processes used in the role, together with the standards to be met, including the core HR systems used by the organisation.

Skills

Service Delivery

Delivers excellent customer service on a range of HR queries and requirements, providing solutions, advice and support primarily to managers. Builds managers’ expertise in HR matters, improving their ability to handle repeated situations themselves where appropriate. Uses agreed systems and processes to deliver service to customers. Takes the initiative to meet agreed individual and team KPIs in line with company policy, values, standards. Plans and organises their work, often without direct supervision, to meet commitments and KPIs.

Problem solving

Uses sound questioning and active listening skills to understand requirements and establish root causes before developing HR solutions. Takes ownership through to resolution, escalating complex situations as appropriate.

Communication & interpersonal

Deals effectively with customers/colleagues, using sound interpersonal skills and communicating well through a range of media eg phone, face to face, email, internet. Adapts their style to their audience. Builds trust and sound relationships with customers. Handles conflict and sensitive HR situations professionally and confidentially.

Teamwork

Consistently supports colleagues /collaborates within the team and HR to achieve results. Builds/maintains strong working relationships with others in the team and across HR where necessary.

Process improvement

Identifies opportunities to improve HR performance and service; acts on them within the authority of their role.  Supports implementation of HR changes/projects with the business.

Managing HR Information

Maintains required HR records as part of services delivered. Prepares reports and management information from HR data, with interpretation as required.

Personal Development    

Keeps up to date with business changes and HR legal/policy/process changes relevant to their role.  Seeks feedback and acts on it to improve their performance and overall capability.

Behaviours

Honesty & Integrity

Truthful, sincere and trustworthy in their actions. Shows integrity by doing the right thing. Maintains appropriate confidentiality at all times.  Has the courage to challenge when appropriate.

Flexibility

Adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns when new tasks need to be done or requirements change.

Resilience

Displays energy and enthusiasm in the way they go about their role, dealing positively with setbacks when they occur. Stays positive under pressure.

Duration

The length of this apprenticeship should typically be 18 – 24 months.

Qualifications

There are no required qualifications for this apprenticeship.

The employers are keen to drive up professionalism and standards within HR so the Assessment Plan contains suggested qualifications/units that employers can use to ensure robust technical knowledge.