Payroll Administration Apprentice

Middlesbrough College Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education institution is seeking a Payroll Administration Apprentice to learn essential payroll tasks and gain a nationally recognized Level 3 Payroll qualification. The role involves supporting payroll processing, communicating with various departments, and maintaining accurate records. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, strong numeracy skills, and a proactive attitude. The position offers a starting salary of £14,565.31 per annum with excellent benefits including health schemes and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing scheme

Free gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and development opportunities

Discounted parking on site

Qualifications

• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or above) required.
• Strong numeracy skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Responsibilities

• Support payroll processing for College staff.
• Communicate with departments to gather payroll information.
• Learn payroll legislation and HMRC rules.

Skills

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Basic IT confidence

Proactive approach

Education

GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Payroll Administration Apprentice

Location: Middlesbrough College Main Campus, TS2 1AD

Department: Human Resources

Reporting to: Payroll Manager

Salary: £14,565.31 per annum, rising in line with NMW after 12 months

Annual Leave: 30 days per annum plus bank holidays

Contractual hours: 37 hours per week

Basis: Fixed Term for 24 months

Join Our Team

Are you ready to launch your career in a role where problem-solving, accuracy and great people skills all come together? We’re looking for a motivated Payroll Technician Apprentice to join our friendly, supportive and busy Payroll team — this could be the perfect first step into a rewarding career in Payroll, HR or Finance. This isn’t just an apprenticeship — it’s a pathway to your future. From day one, you’ll be hands‑on, learning from experienced professionals while gaining a nationally recognised Level 3 Payroll qualification. You’ll build technical skills, confidence and real‑life experience in one of the most essential functions of the College: making sure our staff are paid correctly, on time, every time.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Payroll Administration Apprentice you'll be involved in real payroll tasks such as:

• Supporting payroll processing for staff across the College
• Communicating with departments to gather essential payroll information
• You’ll cover all areas of pay, including holidays, maternity and benefits
• Learning payroll legislation, HMRC rules and pension requirements
• Help enter and check payroll data, including starters, leavers and timesheets
• Assisting with pay calculations such as net pay, pay rates and statutory payments
• Producing and updating payroll reports
• Maintaining accurate, confidential payroll records
• Developing your digital skills, especially Excel

What We’re Looking For:

We seek candidates who:

• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail
• A positive, proactive approach
• Good communication skills
• Basic IT confidence (Excel is a bonus!)
• A willingness to learn, grow and take responsibility

What’s in it for you?

The college offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

• Health & Wellbeing – Subsidised health scheme, free gym membership, and 24/7 counselling for you and your family
• Family‑Friendly Policies – We offer family‑friendly policies, flexible hours, and support for all of life’s big moments
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support for you and your family, including counselling, legal and financial advice, and wellbeing resources
• Professional Development – Extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
• College Extras – Save money, feel great, and go green with: - Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants
  - Discounted gift cards for big brands - Home & Tech upgrades via salary sacrifice
  - Cycle to Work scheme - Coming soon: EV Leasing - Pension Schemes – Teachers’, LGPS & NEST
  - Discounted car parking on site

To learn more about working at Middlesbrough College, please visit ourWork For Uspage.

For further details and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Tina Kirikal, Payroll Manager on [e-mail].

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Early!

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we can appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date. We therefore encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.

SAFEGUARDING

Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

This role involves regulated activity and direct contact with children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

We follow Safer Recruitment practices in line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, and bind‑overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’, must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules.

It is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.

Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Holiday Update

Our College will close for the festive break on Friday 19 December 2025 and reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. If you’ve applied for a role, thank you! We’ll review applications and get back to you in January.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

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