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This HR Level 5 apprenticeship is designed for professionals already working in HR roles who want to expand their strategic influence and gain a recognised CIPD qualification while continuing to earn.

  • Ideal for HR generalists, HR managers, and those in roles requiring HR expertise

  • Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided online learning

  • Develop strategic HR skills to support business objectives and people practices

  • Expert support from CIPD-qualified tutors and access to a wide range of online learning resources

Our apprenticeships are open to individuals who have an employer willing to sponsor and support their training.

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Apprenticeship overview

  • Duration : 24 months
  • RQF Level: 5
  • Total credit value: 42

This apprenticeship empowers you to drive the people agenda in alignment with business objectives. Through this program, you’ll develop the skills needed to advise and coach colleagues on the interpretation of policies and employment law, and you’ll play a key role in supporting people-related elements of business projects.

All apprentices who complete the Level 5 program will earn the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management, a respected qualification that aligns with CIPD Associate Membership, marking a significant career milestone.

Typical Responsibilities

As a People Professional apprentice, you’ll handle a variety of responsibilities, including:

  • Providing HR advice and coaching to managers

  • Developing and supporting employee engagement and retention initiatives

  • Collaborating on people-related aspects of business projects

  • Advising on policies, employment law, and organisational development

  • Supporting diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, and talent management efforts

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who are already in roles requiring HR expertise, especially those who seek to expand their impact and strategic influence within their organisation.

Typical Job Titles Include:

  • Diversity and Inclusion Manager

  • Employee Relations Consultant

  • HR Generalist

  • HR Business Partner

  • HR Manager

  • Organisation Development Consultant

  • Reward Consultant

  • Talent Manager

  • Wellbeing Consultant

Apprenticeship details

HR Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship — Overview

Duration: 24 months | RQF Level: 5 | Total credit value: 42

This HR Level 5 apprenticeship develops your ability to deliver strategic HR support aligned with business objectives. You will build the skills needed to advise managers on people practices, employment law, and organisational development, while supporting key business projects throughout. All apprentices who complete the programme achieve the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management, aligned with CIPD Associate Membership.

Units you will study

Three core units:

  • Organisational performance and culture in practice (5C001)

  • Evidence-based practice (5C002)

  • Professional behaviours and valuing people (5C003)

Three specialist units:

  • Employment relationship management (5HR01)

  • Talent management and workforce planning (5HR02)

  • Reward for performance and contribution (5HR03)

Plus one additional specialist unit (choose one):

  • Specialist employment law (5OS01)

  • Advances in digital learning and development (5OS02)

  • Learning and development essentials (5OS03)

  • People management in an international context (5OS04)

  • Diversity and inclusion (5OS05)

  • Leadership and management development (5OS06)

  • Wellbeing at work (5OS07)




To be eligible for this apprenticeship, candidates should have relevant HR experience or a Level 3 qualification and must be able to demonstrate they can meet the standard required for a Level 5 programme.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. English and Maths at Level 2 must be achieved before the End Point Assessment.

Employers may set additional entry requirements. Candidates should confirm their eligibility with their employer before applying.

If an apprenticeship isn’t the right route for you, you can also study the CIPD Level Associate Diploma in People Management as a standalone course, offering a flexible way to gain the same qualification.

Throughout the programme you will be supported by a dedicated industry adviser who will guide your learning and development. You will follow an individual learning plan and complete activities aligned to the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.

Progress is tracked through the OneFile ePortfolio system, which you can access on any device at any time alongside the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

On-programme assessment

Your off-the-job training is assessed throughout the programme based on the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (SKBs) you develop.

End Point Assessment (EPA) The EPA takes place once you have completed all on-programme requirements. It includes three components:

  • A presentation with questions to an independent assessor

  • A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence collated throughout the programme

  • An integrated assessment of the Professional Behaviours and Valuing People unit (5CO03)


Many organisations with an annual pay bill over £3 million are already contributing to the apprenticeship levy. This programme can be fully funded through those existing levy funds at no additional cost to the business. Non-levy employers contribute just 5%.

HR Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship - £11,000

  • For levy-paying employers, the programme can be fully funded through the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

  • For non‑levy payers, 95% of the apprenticeship cost is funded by the government.

  • Eligible organisations may also be able to receive a levy transfer from Reed

You can explore your funding options here. Alternatively, get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of our apprenticeship advisors.

Programme outcomes

For learners

This apprenticeship gives you the HR knowledge, strategic skills and a CIPD qualification to advance your career — without leaving your job or your employer.

  • Achieve the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management

  • Build skills in employment law, workforce planning, and people strategy

  • Earn while you learn — no career break required

  • Progress into roles such as HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or HR Consultant

For employers

Investing in this apprenticeship builds HR capability at a strategic level, funded through the apprenticeship levy.

  • Develop HR professionals who can operate strategically and support business objectives

  • Fully fund the programme through the Digital Apprenticeship Service for levy-paying organisations

  • Retain and reward talent through structured career development

  • Strengthen capability across employment law, diversity and inclusion, talent management, and more

Certified CIPD Platinum Centre


Reed Business School holds recognised Platinum status for our CIPD provision, upholding the highest standards of CIPD tuition, assessment and learner achievement

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Why choose Reed Business School?

As an experienced, RoATP‑approved provider, we make it easy for employers to run effective apprenticeship programmes.

Employers choose Reed Business School because we:

  • tailor apprenticeship solutions to your organisation’s needs

  • have a proven track record, reflected in our Good Ofsted rating

  • are trusted and fully approved on the RoATP

  • work alongside your teams to support workforce development

  • provide access to specialists across our specialism (HR, L&D, Leadership & Management, and Accounting)

As your apprenticeship partner, we help you address the main challenges employers face, including:

  • designing programmes that meet regulatory and quality requirements

  • recruiting suitable apprentices

  • balancing training needs with day‑to‑day operations

  • managing compliance and funding documentation

  • preparing learners for end‑point assessment and selecting providers

  • achieving a strong return on investment

Ready to take the next step?

For levy-paying employers, this programme can be fully funded. For non-levy employers, the government covers 95% of the cost.

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