The Day to Day
We are excited to be recruiting for our second HR Apprentice to join us here at Holmes & Hills. Having seen our previous HR Apprentice through their CIPD Level 3 qualification and seen them progress internally to the next HR level in the firm, we are now recruiting for a new HR Apprentice to join our team here at our head office in Marks Tey.
This is a really exciting opportunity to gain exceptional exposure to the day-to-day activities of a successful and established HR team. You will study along the way whilst gaining experience and knowledge of a full remit HR function. As a team we are responsible for the following:
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Recruitment and Onboarding
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Payroll and Benefits
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HR administration
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Employee Relations
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Learning & Development
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HR process design
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Remuneration & Reward
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Employee engagement
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HR Planning and strategy
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Employer Branding
Your day to day work will include:
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Managing existing HR records and maintaining accurate and up to date employee data on the HRIS (Personio). Producing reports as required.
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Administering the documentation in support of new joiners including producing new joiner paperwork and carrying out reference checking.
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Administering the documentation in support of the annual HR processes (Appraisal, Training Applications, Salary Review, Bonus)
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Supporting the Internal Recruiter with recruitment activities; job adverts, candidate management through the ATS, email notifications to candidates, booking interviews and monitoring the careers inbox.
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Carry out monthly checks such as work anniversaries, probations and benefit enrolments.
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Assist with various HR led internal events such as in-house training sessions, well-being week, and any other internal events that may require support.
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Provide administrative support to HR activities e.g. recruitment campaigns, careers fairs, induction, training, benefits, absence management
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Provide administrative support to our L&D programme; system administration, managing delegate lists, sending out invites, booking and setting up meeting rooms, updating our HR Sharepoint portal, putting learner packs together, assisting in the creation of learning material (i.e PowerPoint, ‘how to guides’, handouts etc)
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Logging Sickness, and ensuring sickness records are closed by employees and escalating any sickness cases to the relevant members of the HR Team.
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Monitor the HR inbox responding or escalating as appropriate.
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Holiday cover for the HR Coordinator
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Supporting on HR Projects as and when required.
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Ensuring good standards of data quality and protection are adhered to at all times
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Act as a first line responder for basic employee queries/ requests and escalating to the relevant members of the HR Team as required
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Any other duties that may be required in support of the day to day remit of the HR function.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
We are looking for a professional and motivated individual who has decided on a career in Human Resources. Ideally you will have some previous administrative experience in some capacity (for example from college projects/volunteering/summer jobs/any other previous employment). Experience of working in a client/customer focussed role will also be an advantage (for example; hospitality, volunteering, retail, summer jobs/any other previous employment).
WHAT Skills, attributes and qualifications should I HAVE?
The successful candidate will ideally be educated to A-Level (or equivalent) but as a minimum you will have English, Maths and Science GCSEs of at least grade 4 or above (or equivalent level of qualification). A qualification in Business Studies would be beneficial.
You should also have the following skills and attributes:
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Demonstrate excellent attention to detail
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Have excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) and IT literacy skills
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Enjoy a fast-paced environment with a variety of different tasks
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A good problem solver, with natural curiosity and an eagerness to learn
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Be highly organised and able to manage priorities effectively
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Confident communicator, happy engaging will all levels of individuals by email, phone and in person.
This role is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to start a career in an impactful, creative, influential and rewarding profession. You will join an established and well thought of team of other HR professionals at various stages of their career, who will act as trusted mentors to you. You will experience a fantastic team spirit; committed, creative, confident and hardworking – giving you the perfect environment to start your HR career.
The role will be based in our Marks Tey office but will involve travel to our other offices e.g. for inductions and you should therefore have a driving licence and access to a car.
WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?
Through an Apprenticeship Agreement We will support you in gaining your Level 3 HR qualification through Colchester Institute as an apprentice.
In addition, you will receive:
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28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
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Medicash after 1 years’ service at an enhanced level
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Life Insurance
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EAP and various other physical and mental wellbeing support services including virtual GP access 24/7
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Family friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay plus, family events leave
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Company sick pay
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Cycle scheme
At Holmes & Hills we are proud to have a culture of sharing, collaboration and mutual respect. We are genuine, authentic and down to earth. We are passionate about what we do and how we do it and believe our Values demonstrate the quality and commitment we give to our many clients. These values run through the core of our firm and are fundamental to the develop and progression of our 200 highly valued colleagues.
We also offer the opportunity to work for a progressive, modern and inspiring law firm in a regional area that brings with it, the benefit of a good work/life balance, flexibility and family focussed and with genuine opportunity to progress and develop evidenced by our commitment to our Career Pathway and Training Pathway.
Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026.
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.
Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region.
These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available.
Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.
