People & culture (HR) – degree apprenticeship – Sunbury
HR professionals recruit, retain and reward people who can keep us ahead of the global energy challenge
About bp
bp is a global company that offers a world of opportunities for professionals as well as those starting out in their career. We’re guided by our purpose and ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and help the world get there too.
What does this mean for you? It means you can expect purposeful work, world-class training and the flexibility to realize your full potential. Not to mention the chance to join a company committed to delivering more sustainable energy for all. Ready to crack on? Your perfect job match awaits.
About people & culture (HR)
HR professionals recruit, retain and reward people who can keep us ahead of the global energy challenge. They also develop world-class training programmes, build capability and anticipate the demand for new skills.
It’s a business area that’s integral to our continued growth and development on an international scale. Attracting and retaining the best people in our industry is what keeps up ahead of the competition and HR is pivotal in attracting and retaining the brightest talent. We work closely with the business to ensure inclusivity is at the heart of everything and ensuring everyone is welcome – and able to perform at their best - regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Our commitment to doing the right thing, working as one team, and supporting our people’s development makes us one of the industry’s best workplaces, and that’s in large part thanks to our HR professionals. They act as strategic business partners, offering guidance to managers and employees.
Early careers experience at bp
Our degree apprenticeship programmes are 4 years long. During this time, you’ll work on different projects alongside learning day to day operations, to become a rounded professional.
Alongside your formal apprenticeship, you’ll also complete our Ignite training modules which will support you to build your interpersonal skills.
Throughout the programme you’ll have a dedicated support network to provide guidance on the programme and advice on career development. You’ll also be a key part of the bp early careers community, with events, socials and the opportunity to network with other early careers from across bp.
Every journey will be different, but your experience could include business partnering, recruitment, employee relations, pay & benefits, diversity & inclusion and learning & development!
Here at bp, no matter which roles you take on, you will have a voice and make decisions that positively impact the world.
Role and responsibilities
Rotating through this four-year programme, you’ll split your time between exciting and challenging roles which could be business facing or in a specialist area enabling you to build a broad range of experience across our global business.In these roles you’ll gain knowledge of the sub disciplines within HR, and develop the technical skills you need to become a strategic business partner.
Here’s an indication of what may be included in your journey
Your first 12 months: building skills
Your first year will likely be spent gaining a fundamental appreciation of how PC&C operates, developing your understanding of PC &C policy, advice, systems, process, and employee experience. This foundation will be invaluable as you move into your next rotations.
The next 36 months: broadening your development
Your next rotations will likely be in a PC&C specialist or partnering role, allowing you to build on the fundamentals, deepening and broadening your knowledge.
All rotations will be dependent upon business need and available opportunities, and your development needs.
Aligning with our graduate programme
You will be developed alongside our people & culture graduates and will be part of that broader early career community. If you meet the programme requirements and successfully complete your business management degree, you’ll formally graduate from the programme after four years.
After qualifying: a rewarding career
Beyond formal early career programmes, bp employees tend to move roles every two to four years (subject to performance and experience).
The people & culture apprenticeship will lead to a Level 6 qualification and a BSc (Hons) Degree, aligned to the following standard: Chartered manager (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, for which the provider may be Corndel College: The Corndel College London Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship - Corndel, however the provider may be subject to change.
Requirements
To apply, you must be aged 18 or over at the start of the programme in September 2025.
If you’re studying A-levels or completing further education, you must be due to complete your qualification/s in 2025 (we’re unable to progress applications for students who will be part way through their studies when the programme starts).
You’ll also need to have:
- A-levels (or equivalent) resulting in a minimum of 104 UCAS points.
- GCSE (or equivalent) grades A*-C or 9-4 in English and Maths.
- Applicants with a level 3 apprenticeship qualification will also be considered.
Qualifications should be checked to ensure the requisite points are met.
In addition, under the apprenticeship levy rules, the following applies to all apprentices:
- Must be a citizen of an EEA/EU country (including the UK) and have lived in the EEA/EU for the last three years; OR if you are a non- EEA/EU citizen but have permission to live and work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last three years.
- Cannot already have a qualification at the same level or higher as the apprenticeship you are applying for.
- Cannot be currently undertaking another professional qualification that is Government funded (e.g. another apprenticeship).
This programme is designed for school / college leavers and other individuals who do not have a degree. If you have a university degree, please apply to our student and graduate opportunities.
Location(s)
This role is likely to be based out of one the following UK offices:
bp Sunbury - ICBT (International Centre for Business & Technology), Chertsey Road, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN
Start Date
8 September 2025
Other Information
Please note the following when applying:
- You can only apply to one bp early careers opportunity globally per academic year – within this time, we will only process the first application you make. You will be withdrawn from any subsequent applications.
- Assessment centres are a key part of the process and will be in person – bp will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs, in line with the travel policy which will be shared with you. Please ensure you will be available to attend in person.
- Accommodation – once confirmed, where you need or decide to move closer to your location, you are responsible for organising and funding this accommodation.
Adjustments
We are keen to make our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any adjustments/accommodations, to any stage of the recruitment process, please mention this in the allocated section on your initial application form. Someone will then be in touch to discuss or confirm the adjustments/accommodations as appropriate for you.
Alternatively, if you would like to discuss adjustments before applying, please get in touch:
T: +44 1635 584149
Reward
Starting salary: £24,100
Sign on Bonus: £3,000 (one off payment, subject to tax and national insurance)
Wellbeing allowance: Claim up to £1,500 each calendar year (subject to tax and national insurance) for products and services that contribute to physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing
Flexible benefits: In addition to your base salary, you’ll receive a flexible allowance (currently 20% of your base salary) that you can take as cash or use to buy a range of extra benefits, such as a pension, critical illness, dental care, personal accident and travel insurance, and our cycle to work scheme.
Discretionary annual bonus scheme: Details of applicable bonus scheme and rules will be available on joining.
Private medical insurance: We’ll pay for private healthcare, and you only pay an income tax charge.
bp share plans: You can choose to take part in our share plan and buy bp shares every month.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/ accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.
T: +44 1635 584149
If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.
