People Operations and Office Assistant Apprentice

Working pattern: 40 hours Monday toFridayAbout FirstcoFirstco is a London-based engineering company delivering high-quality technical solutions for our clients. Our people are central to the success of the business, and we are looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused People Operations & Office Assistant to provide administrative support across our People Operations function, while also assisting with the effective running of our offices.This is a varied role that would suit someone at the beginning of their HR career who is keen to gain practical experience across the employee lifecycle. It may be particularly suitable for someone interested in developing their HR knowledge and studying towards a Level 3 CIPD HR qualification through the apprenticeship levy. Role OverviewThe People Operations & Office Assistant will provide day-to-day HR and People Operations administration,supporting processes across recruitment, onboarding, employee records,contractual documentation, training, employee engagement and the wider employee lifecycle. The role will primarily support the People Operations Manager, while also working closely with the Office Manager to assist with the smooth running of Firstco’s Central London Head Office and Heathrow Office.This is a hands-on position requiring excellent organisation, attention to detail, discretion and a willingness to support a broad range of activities. It offers a strong foundation for someone looking to build a long-term career in HR and People Operations, while gaining additional experience in office administration and business support. The role is full-time, five days per week,with a hybrid working pattern. The successful candidate will be expected to work three days per week from the office, split between Firstco’s Central London Head Office and Heathrow Office, with the remaining days worked remotely. Key ResponsibilitiesHR and People Operations Support Provide general HR administration, including maintaining accurate employee records and updating HR systems. Support the onboarding process for new starters, including preparing employment documents, arranging inductions and ensuring all required checks and paperwork are completed. Assist with employee lifecycle processes, including starters, leavers, contractual changes, family leave, probation reviews and other employee updates. Support recruitment administration, including posting vacancies, scheduling interviews, communicating with candidates and assisting hiring managers throughout the recruitment process. Prepare HR letters, employment documents, meeting invitations and reports using approved templates. Monitor key HR dates and actions, including probation reviews, fixed-term contract dates, training renewals and other employee-related deadlines. Support training and development administration, including booking courses, coordinating attendance and maintaining accurate training records. Assist with employee engagement activities, wellbeing initiatives, internal communications and company events. Respond to routine employee and manager queries, escalating more complex or sensitive matters to the People Operations Manager. Support the administration of HR policies, procedures and compliance requirements. Handle personal and sensitive employee information confidentially, professionally and in accordance with data protection requirements. Assist with the preparation of HR data, reports and management information. Support the People Operations Manager with HR projects, process improvements and other administrative activities as required.Office Management Support Support the Office Manager with the day-to-day running of the Central London Head Office and Heathrow Office. Act as a welcoming and professional point of contact for employees, visitors, suppliers and contractors. Help maintain organised, professional and well-stocked office environments. Assist with ordering office supplies, equipment, refreshments and other workplace essentials. Support meeting room preparation, catering arrangements, internal meetings and company events. Liaise with building management, maintenance providers and external suppliers when required. Assist with health and safety administration, including maintaining records and supporting routine office checks. Help coordinate travel, accommodation and meeting logistics where needed. Provide general administrative support to the People Operations and Office Management teams. Development OpportunityThis role is particularly well suited tosomeone who would like to develop a long-term career in HR.For the right candidate, Firstco plans tosupport study towards a Level 3 CIPD HR qualification through theapprenticeship levy. This would provide the successful applicant with theopportunity to gain practical HR experience while working to