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Payroll Apprentice - Duxford, Cambridge

Hexcel Composites LTD · Cambridge · posted 25 September 2026

Wage
£26,520 a year
Hours
37.5 hours a week
Duration
1 Year 6 Months
Level
Advanced (Level 3)
Standard
Payroll administrator (level 3)
Starts
26 October 2026
Closing date
12 October 2026
Positions
1

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Effective provision of payroll and pay-related functions, maintain accurate and timely HRIS updates and employee records, and ensure the efficient control, understanding, and application of relevant administrative, payroll legislation, company policies and procedures.

  • Undertake and successfully complete the agreed Payroll Apprenticeship qualification, applying learning in the workplace and meeting all study, assessment and attendance requirements.
  • Support the administration of payroll in accordance with all relevant legal requirements and company procedures, developing the knowledge and skills required to deliver a consistent and accurate payroll service to UK employees, including year-end payroll processes, auto-enrolment administration and associated payroll activities.
  • Support the administration and maintenance of payroll, HRIS and time and attendance systems, ensuring employee information is entered accurately, maintained appropriately and kept up to date in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Assist with the preparation and validation of payroll calculations, including statutory payments, deductions, pension contributions, salary sacrifice arrangements and other payroll adjustments, under the guidance of the payroll team,
  • Develop an understanding of payroll legislation and compliance requirements, supporting the completion of statutory reporting and documentation in line with legislated deadlines, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension auto-enrolment regulations.
  • Process and communicate routine changes to pay and employee job details to relevant departments and managers and assist in producing payroll and HR reports to support payroll validation, auditing requirements and management decision-making.
  • Learn and apply company pay-related policies and procedures, including company car administration, pension schemes, share schemes and bonus arrangements.
  • Provide a first point of contact for routine payroll-related queries, delivering a professional and customer-focused service. Escalate complex issues requiring specialist advice as appropriate.
  • Develop knowledge of Hexcel payroll, HRIS and time and attendance systems, supporting system testing, upgrades, implementations and process improvement activities where required.
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR administrative processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
  • Administer pay-related records for temporary workers and contractors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
  • Administer, issue and monitor employee Photo ID cards.
  • Maintain confidentiality and handle employee information in accordance with data protection requirements, company policies and payroll best practice.
  • Work closely with colleagues, managers, training providers and other stakeholders to support both operational objectives and successful completion of the apprenticeship programme.

Your training

Training will be with Swarm Training, a national apprenticeship provider in the UK. The successful candidate will work towards a Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship which takes 16-18 months to complete. The apprentice must complete a minimum of 6 hours per week during working hours, with monthly training sessions conducted by a tutor, with tasks assigned to be completed during those hours.

Where it leads

Initially a fixed contract and we anticipate a full-time role permanent after the apprenticeship depending on performance.

About Hexcel Composites LTD

Hexcel delivers advanced composite materials that help aerospace, defense, and industrial innovators build lighter, stronger, and smarter solutions.

Things to consider

Driving license and car required due to location.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsProblem solving skillsAdministrative skillsNumber skillsAnalytical skills

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade 4/C) — essential
  • GCSE Maths (grade 4/C) — essential

Where you'll work

  • Ickleton Road, Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QB

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