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The Level 5 L&D Consultant/Business Partner Apprenticeship is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective learning and development strategies within an organisation.

  • Ideal for L&D consultants, business partners, or those in HR & L&D roles

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

  • Develop strategic skills for driving workforce development

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

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Apprenticeship overview

  • Duration : 24 months
  • RQF Level: 5

This apprenticeship is ideal for those who aspire to become strategic partners in driving workforce development and supporting organizational goals through learning initiatives.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Designing and delivering learning programs tailored to organizational needs.

  • Collaborating with senior stakeholders to align learning strategies with business objectives.

  • Conducting learning needs analyses to identify skills gaps and development opportunities.

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of learning interventions and making data-driven improvements.

  • Coaching and mentoring employees to support their professional development.

  • Managing learning projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are adhered to.

  • Advising on talent management and succession planning, ensuring the right skills are in place for future growth.

All apprentices who complete the Level 5 programme can gain a CIPD Intermediate Certificate or Diploma in Learning and Development along with Associate Membership of CIPD as a dual award with their Level 5 apprenticeship.

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is perfect for professionals who are already working in or aspiring to work in L&D or HR roles, and are looking to enhance their strategic impact. It is suitable for individuals who are responsible for driving learning and development initiatives, such as L&D consultants, business partners, HR managers, and training specialists. Those who wish to gain deeper insights into business operations and contribute to organisational success through effective learning solutions will also find this apprenticeship beneficial.

Apprenticeship details

The Level 5 L&D Consultant/Business Partner apprenticeship is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to drive effective learning and development within your organisation

Throughout this program, you will dive into key areas such as learning needs analysis, program design, and measuring impact, all tailored to support business goals and employee growth. You’ll have access to a blend of interactive workshops, online resources, and real-world projects, enabling you to apply what you learn directly in your role.

Regular one-on-one support sessions with experienced mentors and quarterly progress reviews will help track your growth and address any challenges along the way.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll be prepared to make a strategic impact in your organisation’s L&D initiatives, confidently supporting workforce development and business success.

You’ll have the opportunity to complete the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development qualification, although this is not mandatory.

Topics covered

Core units

- 5C001 – Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice (7 credits)
- 5C002 – Evidence-Based Practice (7 credits)
- 5C003 – Professional Behaviours and Valuing People (5 credits)

Specialist units

- 5LD01 – Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning (6 credits)
- 5LD02 – Learning and Development to Design and Create Value (6 credits)
- 5LD03 – Facilitate Personalised and Performance Focused Learning (6 credits)

Programme features

Your apprenticeship will involve a blend of learning, encompassing a combination of workshops and online meetings, along with supporting resources including webinars, engaging online videos, PDF resources and activities. Checklists and practice quizzes will allow you to integrate and retain what you have learned.

Your L&D Level 5 Apprenticeship programme will include:

- Live online workshops
- 24/7 access to our VLE and your e-portfolio
- Regular 1:1 meetings with an expert adviser
- Unit study guides
- Access to our Learning Bites webinar series
- Online forums
- Progress reviews
- Pastoral support
- End-point assessment preparation

The L&D Consultant/Business Partner apprenticeship is an advanced apprenticeship set at the level of a University Foundation degree.

It typically takes 18–24 months to complete with an additional five months for the End Point Assessment. This duration allows apprentices to fully engage with and apply their learning, while balancing workplace responsibilities. Throughout the program, apprentices will build and refine their skills to effectively contribute to organisational learning and development, preparing them for success in the end-point assessment.

The programme is split into four main phases which include an induction, core modules, End Point Assessment preparation and the End Point Assessment.

To enrol in the Level 5 Learning & Development (L&D) Consultant/Business Partner Apprenticeship, candidates should meet the following requirements:

Experience: Previous experience in a learning and development, HR, or related role is recommended to ensure familiarity with organisational development principles and practices.

Educational background: A Level 3 qualification in L&D, HR, or a similar field is preferred but not essential. Candidates should have a good understanding of basic HR practices and learning methodologies. Some employers may require three A-Levels, including Maths and English.

Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills are essential. Candidates should be able to interact effectively with stakeholders, analyse learning needs, and develop tailored solutions.

Employment: Candidates must be employed in a role that allows them to gain practical experience relevant to the L&D Consultant/Business Partner apprenticeship standards. They should have the opportunity to apply learning directly to their role.

Commitment: A commitment to completing the apprenticeship program, including attending regular sessions, participating in assessments, and completing a final end-point assessment (EPA).

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in learning and development, supporting organisational strategy, and improving workforce capabilities.

Your 20% off-the-job training will be assessed throughout the programme and will be based on the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (SKBs) you develop.

The Level 5 L&D Consultant/Business Partner apprenticeship includes a structured assessment process designed to ensure learners are progressing effectively and developing key skills. You’ll also have quarterly progress reviews with a dedicated coach who will provide feedback and support to help you stay on track.

Once all on-programme requirements are completed, you’ll undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA). This final assessment evaluates the Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship, using a work-based project, professional discussion, and presentation. This approach ensures you are fully prepared to make a strategic impact in L&D within your organisation.

L&D Level 5 Apprenticeship - £7,000

- 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.

There is no mandatory qualification for this apprenticeship. However, there is the option to complete the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (additional £700 + VAT).

Enquire today to find out more

Get in touch to hear more about the L&D Level 5 apprenticeship today.

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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

Looking for an all-in-one learning & development solution?


Reed Learning makes employee learning simple and effective with curated learning packages, a breadth of digital and in-person learning products, and tailored advice to help you find the right solution for your business.

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