Human Resources Personnel

Also known as - HR coordinator, HR officer, HR assistant.

Human resources managers develop and implement policies relating to the working practices of the organisation they are in. They hire employees and help them get training and development to advance their careers. They are instrumental in overseeing conditions of employment, contractual terms, pay negotiations and issues relating to equality and diversity.

Office
Education-Training
Higher qualifications
Excellent communicator

What do human resources personnel do?

As a human resources personnel you will be responsible for looking after the recruitment of new staff, and overseeing their welfare, contracts, and concerns once in place.

The job role of a human resources personnel involve the following duties:

Recruiting staff, writing job descriptions, checking application forms, creating candidate shortlists and conducting primary interviews
Devising and implementing policies to select, develop and retain staff
Overseeing staff welfare
Working closely with other departments to implement policies and procedures
Promoting equality and diversity within the business
Overseeing health and safety policies
Developing and implementing policies on issues like working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management
Advising on pay, promotion and benefits, including sick pay, paternity and maternity pay
Carrying out salary reviews
Negotiating with staff and their representatives (for example, trade union officials)
Administering payroll
Handling staff complaints, grievances and implementing disciplinary procedures
Working in an office.

How to get a job in human resources

There are several routes to becoming a human resources manager. You can gain the qualifications you need

by doing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job.

You should explore these routes to become a human resources manager to find out which is the right one for you.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University/graduate training scheme

You could complete a degree in business studies, business with languages, human resources management and business management or another relevant subject.

College/training provider

You could complete a college course to become a human resources manager.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in human resources support, or become an administrative apprentice and, once qualified, specialise to become a human resources manager.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a human resources manager. You might start as a business administrator in a company’s HR department, and work your way up through training and promotion.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in human resources. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a human resources personnel include:

Aptitude at administration
Sensitivity and understanding
Excellent verbal communication skills
Customer service skills.

Qualifications

England

To become a Human Resources Personnel, you could complete a:

NVQ Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
NVQ Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
Human resources consultant partner higher apprenticeship
Senior people professional degree apprenticeship
You could do a foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Human Resources Management
- Business Management and Human Resources
- Psychology
- Economics
You could study a range of professional qualifications in human resources approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

Scotland

To become a Human Resources Personnel, you could complete a:

SVQ Level 6 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Level 8 Associate Diploma in People Management
Level 11 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
Human resources consultant partner higher apprenticeship
Senior people professional degree apprenticeship
You could do a foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Human Resources Management
- Business Management and Human Resources
- Psychology
- Economics
You could study a range of professional qualifications in human resources approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

Wales

To become a Human Resources Personnel, you could complete a:

NVQ Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
NVQ Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
Human resources consultant partner higher apprenticeship
Senior people professional degree apprenticeship
You could do a foundation degree, HND or degree in:
- Human Resources Management
- Business Management and Human Resources
- Psychology
- Economics
You could study a range of professional qualifications in human resources approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

How much do human resources personnel earn?

The expected salary for a human resources personnel varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained human resources personnel can start at £21,000

• Trained with experience human resources personnel can earn up to £45,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

There are opportunities for progression and salary increases as you gain experience in human resources, particularly if you have a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

With experience, you could progress into senior management. You could also set up your own consultancy offering recruitment services or advice on policy planning.