People Professional Level 5

Overview of apprenticeship

This occupation is found in private, public and third-sector organisations of all sizes, including national and multinational employers. People Professionals work in every sector across the country, such as health, finance, engineering and manufacturing, business and professional services, education, retail, leisure, technology and construction.

There is a growing need for skilled people professionals who can support organisations by providing practical advice and guidance on people matters. This includes helping managers understand employment law and organisational policies, using people data to support decision-making, and contributing to workforce and business planning.

The main purpose of the role is to help organisations achieve their goals by developing and delivering effective people practices. People Professionals work with managers, employees and other stakeholders to improve performance, manage employee relations, support organisational change and ensure legal and policy requirements are met.

Being a People Professional is about using sound judgement, professional knowledge and strong people skills to add value to the organisation. The role is important in helping organisations create positive workplace cultures, support inclusion and wellbeing, and respond to change. People Professionals use evidence-based approaches, clear communication and professional behaviours to influence decisions and put people solutions into practice that support long-term organisational success.

Delivery Plan and Assessment

All Apprentices must spend approximately 20% of their time on programme completing Off-The-Job training, this includes workshops, project assignments, independent study, internal training, and any shadow shifts. On this programme there will be online lessons for the CIPD modules at fixed points and further sessions in preparation for the overall assessment. Apprentices will also be supported by 1:1 meetings in the workplace by their dedicated Programme Tutor. Additional learning resources and information will be made available online to ensure a fully blended learning experience. Apprentices may be required to attend sessions at a WSC location, or in their workplace.

Learners will be required to complete an End Point Assessment at the end of their learning.

Where will this course take me?

This course prepares you for a successful career in people and HR, with opportunities across all sectors.

You'll gain the skills employers want, opening pathways into roles such as People or HR Advisor, People Officer, Learning and Development or Talent roles.

It also sets you up for career progression into senior people roles and further study, including Level 7 programmes and CIPD professional recognition.

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Your wage is decided by your employer however must meet the National Minimum Wage regulations https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates. 

Entry requirements

Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience.

Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 must achieve these prior to taking their End Point Assessment.

Qualifications

On completion of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved:

• Full People Professional Level 5 Standard.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management 
• Skills for Success - This module is designed by West Suffolk College to ensure you have all the personal skills and behaviours to succeed in the workplace.
• Any required Functional Skills in English or Maths.

How is this funded?

Learners

Apprentices are not required to contribute financially towards Apprenticeship training.

Employers

If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, you will pay into an apprenticeship levy. This levy is then used to pay for the training element of the apprenticeship course.  The total figure for the Apprenticeship is negotiated before enrolment and once confirmed will be taken in monthly payments from your account directly to us or paid to us via invoice should additional fees be required.

If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of under £3 million, the Government will fund 95% of the training fee meaning you will be required to contribute 5%.  You may be required to contribute additional fees which we will invoice the company for.  The additional fees will be made known and negotiated prior to the Apprentice enrolment.

There are additional incentives available if you are a small employer (under 50) and if you train/recruit a 16-18 year old or 19-24 year old with an Education Health and Care Plan.

Learners on this programme will need to be student members of the CIPD - the membership fee is paid directly to the CIPD as an annual fee or direct debit.

Contact us on 01284 716235 or apprenticeships@wsc.ac.uk for further details of costs and how Apprenticeships are funded.

Try out our apprenticeship levy calculator here

I'm interested. What should I do now?

You apply for an Apprenticeship in the same way you would apply for a job: find an apprenticeship vacancy, send in your CV or complete an application. We can help you with applications and give you interview advice. Please view the following page on our website to see our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.

Apprenticeship Vacancies: https://www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships/vacancies

Alternatively, you can look on the GOV.UK website to see what other Apprenticeships vacancies may be available: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

Employers - If you wish to recruit an apprentice, or upskill an existing team member please contact us to speak with a member of the Apprenticeship Team for more information and to organise a face to face visit.

Days & times

Please contact us for dates and further information