Although this area of work is open to all graduates and those with an HND or foundation degree, the following subjects may be particularly relevant:

• business with languages

• business or management

• human resource management

• psychology.

You could also do a combined degree in, for example, business management and human resources. If you're studying a human resource management degree, check whether it is accredited by the CIPD.

Some larger organisations run general management or human resources graduate training schemes. If you're on a general management scheme, it's possible to move into HR after having experienced a range of placements, including HR, within an organisation.

If you don't have a degree, you could start in an administrative role in an HR department and progress to an HR officer and then management role with experience and further training and CIPD-accredited qualifications.

Although you don't need a postgraduate qualification to become an HR officer, it may be useful and there are a range of HR/personnel management Masters degrees available. Search for postgraduate courses in human resource management.

Although it's possible to enter HR work without being professionally qualified, some employers will prefer you to have an accredited qualification from the CIPD, particularly for middle and higher management posts.

Courses :

https://www.mollearn.com/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/recruitment-and-hr/hr-apprenticeships

You can also get into HR by taking an apprenticeship, combining paid work with part-time study. The Level 3 Apprenticeship: HR Support provides an entry route into the profession. It's also possible to take the higher Level 5 Apprenticeship: HR Consultant/Partner, aimed at those who are already working as HR professionals and who want to progress their career. For full details, see CIPD Apprenticeship Routes.  The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply. 

Types of human resources apprenticeships

HR apprenticeships are available at two levels:

• Level 3 - HR Support Apprenticeship - equivalent to an A-level, and typically lasting 18 to 24 months, on this apprenticeship you'll use HR systems to keep records, help the business make HR changes and work in a range of areas including recruitment and retirement. A HR Support Apprenticeship is for you if you're entering the profession or are an existing member of staff looking to refresh your knowledge.

• Level 5 - HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship - if you're an HR manager in a small organisation, or have leadership duties in a larger organisation, the HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship will boost your decision-making and influencing skills. The course runs for two to three years (or 18 months, if you've already completed the Level 3 apprenticeship) and is the equivalent of a foundation degree.

Whichever level you study at, HR apprenticeships focus on workplace-based learning. You'll also complete professional development training and spend a percentage of your time in the classroom. The apprenticeship culminates in an End-Point Assessment (EPA), where you'll have your skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated against the relevant apprenticeship standard:

• Level 3

• Level 5

HR apprenticeships are most commonly offered as Level 3 qualifications. Companies offering them include:

• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - a three-year programme, consisting of three 12-month rotations within GSK's HR Support Centre in Uxbridge.

• Nomura - offers HR apprenticeships in five areas: HR Advisor, CAO Apprentice, HR Analyst Centre, Learning and Development and Graduate Recruitment. You'll obtain qualifications across a period of 12 to 24 months at the company's London headquarters.

• Unilever - candidates complete an 18-month, Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship within HR, available at locations in Port Sunlight (near Liverpool) and across the south of England.

If you're looking for something higher level then degree apprenticeships are available at BAE Systems.

Training providers Arch Apprentices offer HR apprenticeships at both levels, and work with a range of employers including Google and Facebook.

HR officers work in organisations that employ staff, which means that jobs are available in all sectors. Typical employers include:

• small, medium-sized and large private companies in a range of sectors including engineering, banking and finance, retail, IT and technology, and healthcare

• the public sector, e.g. the Civil Service and local government offices, and the NHS

• voluntary organisations, such as charities, which may employ both paid staff and volunteers.

It's important to think about which sector you're interested in working in, as different sectors have different HR challenges.

The work structure within these organisations varies widely. Some employers have just one or two people covering the full range of HR activities. Larger employers may structure their HR departments according to different specialist roles, or the functions can be split among several general HR officers on a departmental or perhaps location basis.

Some very large organisations have a group of HR specialists at a head office who provide support to general HR officers working out of various departments or locations. There are also opportunities to work overseas.

You can also work in specialist consultancies, which range in size from one-person companies to small firms and partnerships. An outplacement service, when a firm engages a specialist consultancy to help staff deal with redundancy, is one example of this type of work. Many well-known firms of management consultants are also developing HR practices, offering services in areas such as compensation and benefits.

Look for job vacancies at:

• People Management

• Personnel Today

You can also look in the local press for administrative jobs in HR, and the national press for more senior roles. Larger organisations often advertise graduate training schemes on their own websites.

Recruitment agencies and online job sites commonly handle vacancies. Vacancies are also advertised on LinkedIn.

https://resources.workable.com/tutorial/hr-interview-questions

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2013/10/18/what-to-expect-during-an-hr-interview-five-questions-youll-be-asked-during-a-screening-interview/?sh=43513b417a6b

Gaining experience for a career in HR

Competition for jobs is strong so having relevant experience working in an HR department will greatly improve your chances. To get experience you might consider a summer position, seasonal holiday work or part-time employment. General office and/or administrative experience is also a helpful form of experience.

Taking on positions of responsibility in any industry, whether in a voluntary or paid capacity or through student groups and organisations is highly relevant. If the role includes training or coaching, managing a budget or teamworking this would be fantastic experience. Staff wellbeing is also a crucial part of the role of any HR department as the health of the workforce is reflected in productivity. You might consider mental health charity work, or wellbeing activities in the community such as support groups or counselling.

Local Ideas

Work experience opportunities are broad in this area and you may be able to tailor it to your interests and preferences.

Typical employers might be:-

• Small, medium-sized and large private companies in a range of sectors including engineering, banking and finance, retail, IT and technology, and healthcare

https://thebplbible.co.uk/business-directory/

• The public sector, e.g. Local government offices, and the NHS
        https://www.england.nhs.uk/get-involved/get-involved/volunteering/

• Voluntary organisations, such as charities, which may employ both paid staff and volunteers.
  
        https://new.fylde.gov.uk/volunteering-opportunities-in-fylde/

https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/volunteer

https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-and-participating/