Home Our programmesHR SupportHR People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5)

HR People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5) 

Programme overview 

The Level 5 HR People Professional apprenticeship develops strategic and influential HR professionals who support talent, performance, culture, and organisational development. Apprentices gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to drive effective people practice across a school, trust, or organisation. 

This programme also includes the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5). 

First days of learning - Spring schedule: 5 May & 9 June.

 

 

Key Details

Funding
Duration
Delivery
On-the-Job / Study split

Funding

Maximum funding: £11,000

Cost to schools: FREE — fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

No cost to learners or levy-paying employers. 

Duration

21 months of active learning, followed by up to 12 weeks for the End Point Assessment (EPA). 

Delivery

The programme blends structured learning, workplace practice, and peer collaboration through: 

  • Monthly live online workshops
  • Guided tasks and practical school-based application
  • A small number of inperson development days
  • Ongoing tutor and workplace support 

On-the-Job / Study split

Apprentices spend approx. 6.5 hours per week on off-the-job training, including:

  • Online workshops
  • Research and reading
  • Assignments
  • Reflective practice and evidence gathering
  • Workbased projects aligned to HR professional standards 

 

Modules

Organisational performance & culture
Wellbeing, inclusion & behaviour
Reward and benefits
Evidence‑based practice
Talent management & workforce planning
Employee relationship management
Leadership & management development
Gateway to completion

Organisational performance & culture

This module explores how HR drives organisational success through strategy, culture, and values. Apprentices learn the link between high‑performing people practices and positive business outcomes, enabling them to influence organisational performance effectively.

Wellbeing, inclusion & behaviour

Apprentices develop expertise in promoting inclusive and ethical people practices that support wellbeing. The module focuses on creating a positive workplace culture through fair behaviour, engagement, and respect for diversity.

Reward and benefits

This module examines how pay, reward, and recognition impact motivation and retention. Apprentices learn to design fair and equitable reward strategies aligned with organisational goals, supporting workforce engagement and performance.

Evidence‑based practice

Apprentices build skills in using research, data, and insight to inform strategic HR decisions. The module emphasises applying evidence‑based approaches to solve complex people challenges and enhance credibility as an HR professional.

Talent management & workforce planning

This module focuses on planning for the future by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Apprentices learn to align workforce planning with long‑term business needs and capability requirements, supporting organisational growth.

Employee relationship management

Apprentices develop confidence in managing employee relations effectively using legislation and best practice. The module covers conflict resolution, transparent communication, and consultation to build trust and maintain positive workplace relationships.

Leadership & management development

This module prepares apprentices to support leadership capability across the organisation. Learners explore strategies for targeted development and succession planning, enabling sustainable growth and strong management practices.

Gateway to completion

Apprentices review progress, prepare their portfolio, and confirm readiness for End Point Assessment. The final stage includes a structured professional discussion and a consultative project demonstrating impact on HR practice.

How it works

Programme structure
Assessment
Eligibility criteria
Who it is for
Support during the apprenticeship
What employers need to do
After the apprenticeship

Programme structure

1. Practical period (On Programme Learning)

Apprentices build capability across the HR discipline through workshops, assignments, and applied workplace activities. They work closely with their Programme Lead and workplace mentor to embed learning in their role.

2. Gateway

Once skills, behaviours, and knowledge are demonstrated through completed assignments and workplace evidence, the apprentice is put forward for the EPA.

3. End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA typically includes:

  • A professional discussion with an assessor
  • A workbased project submitted to a CIPD assessor 

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the programme via assignments, observations, and evidence collection.

The final EPA determines the overall apprenticeship grade. 

Eligibility criteria

  • No mandatory qualifications required
  • Level 3 qualification beneficial but not essential
  • No upper age limit
  • Suitable for staff currently working in or moving into HR roles 

Who it is for

This apprenticeship is ideal for professionals in roles such as:

  • HR Advisor
  • HR Manager
  • HR Business Partner
  • HR Consultant Partner
  • Talent Manager 

Support during the apprenticeship

  • Dedicated Programme Lead
  • Workplace mentor
  • Regular review meetings
  • Access to CIPD learning resources
  • Peer networking through online and inperson sessions 

What employers need to do

  • Provide a suitable HR role that enables the apprentice to meet the standard
  • Support off-the-job training time
  • Participate in regular progress reviews
  • Approve Gateway readiness when the apprentice completes the practical period 

After the apprenticeship

Graduates can progress into senior HR roles such as:

  • HR Business Partner
  • HR Manager / People Manager
  • Senior HR Advisor
  • Many also continue towards CIPD Chartered Membership. 

 

Apply now