Want to earn a CIPD Level 5 qualification at no cost? The Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship is the funded route to the Associate Diploma in People Management — fully paid for through the Apprenticeship Levy.
What Is the Level 5 HR Apprenticeship?
The People Professional Apprenticeship (formerly known as the HR Consultant/Partner apprenticeship) is a Level 5 programme that develops strategic HR practitioners. It's designed for people already working in HR who want to:
- Gain a formal CIPD qualification without paying for it themselves
- Develop strategic skills beyond day-to-day HR operations
- Progress into senior roles like HR Manager or HR Business Partner
- Apply learning directly to their current workplace
What's Included?
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| CIPD qualification | Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management (embedded) |
| Duration | 8-22 months |
| Delivery | Blended — online learning + workplace application |
| Cost to learner | £0 |
| End Point Assessment | Professional discussion + portfolio of evidence |
How It's Funded
Levy-Paying Employers (payroll over £3m)
100% funded from the employer's Apprenticeship Levy account. They draw down the cost of training and assessment from their existing levy pot.
Non-Levy Employers
The government covers 95% of the cost. The employer pays just 5% — often less than £1,000 for a fully qualified, CIPD-certified HR professional. That's a fraction of the standalone course cost.
What the Apprentice Pays
Nothing. Zero. The apprentice never pays for the training or the embedded CIPD qualification.
Who Is It For?
The People Professional Apprenticeship suits:
- HR Officers/Advisors wanting to move into strategic roles
- HR Administrators ready to step up to professional-level work
- People/Talent Coordinators seeking formal CIPD recognition
- Career changers who've moved into HR and want formal qualifications
- Existing CIPD Level 3 holders ready for the next step
Entry Requirements
- Employed in an HR, people management, or L&D role
- Employer willing to support the apprenticeship (including 20% off-the-job time)
- Right to work in the UK
- No formal academic requirements (though CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience is recommended)
What You'll Learn
The programme covers the full scope of strategic HR:
Core Knowledge
- Organisational performance, culture, and change management
- Evidence-based decision making and people analytics
- Professional ethics, inclusion, and championing diversity
- Employment law and its application to HR practice
Applied Skills
- Advising managers and leaders on people issues
- Managing employee relations and conflict
- Talent management, recruitment, and retention strategies
- Reward strategy and performance management
- Workforce planning aligned to business objectives
- Policy development and implementation
Workplace Application
Unlike a standalone course, the apprenticeship requires you to apply everything you learn in your actual workplace. Your employer benefits directly as you implement improvements throughout the programme.
How It's Structured
On-the-Job Learning (80%)
Your day-to-day work forms the majority of the apprenticeship. You'll take on increasingly strategic HR responsibilities, tackle real workplace challenges, and build a portfolio of evidence.
Off-the-Job Training (20%)
At least 20% of your paid time is dedicated to structured learning:
- Online modules and video content
- Workshops and masterclasses
- Research and reading
- Reflective practice
- Portfolio development
See our off-the-job training guide for how this works in practice.
End Point Assessment
After completing the learning programme, you demonstrate your competence through:
- Professional discussion — a structured conversation about your HR practice
- Portfolio of evidence — real workplace examples demonstrating your skills
HR Apprenticeship vs Standalone CIPD Course
| People Professional Apprenticeship | Standalone CIPD Level 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to learner | £0 | £2,160 |
| CIPD Level 5 included | Yes (embedded) | Yes |
| Duration | 8-22 months (structured) | Self-paced (typically 6-12 months) |
| Employer involvement | Required (20% OTJ time) | None required |
| Learning style | Blended + workplace application | Online self-paced |
| Best for | Employed HR professionals with supportive employer | Self-funders wanting maximum flexibility |
Choose the apprenticeship if: Your employer supports it, you want structured development, and you want the qualification at no personal cost.
Choose the standalone course if: You want maximum flexibility, you're self-funding, or your employer can't commit to the 20% off-the-job requirement.
Salary Expectations
HR professionals with CIPD Level 5 (achieved via either route) typically earn:
| Role | Salary range |
|---|---|
| HR Business Partner | £40,000 - £55,000 |
| HR Manager | £38,000 - £52,000 |
| People Manager | £42,000 - £58,000 |
| L&D Manager | £40,000 - £55,000 |
| Employee Relations Manager | £45,000 - £60,000 |
How to Get Started
- Speak to your employer — ask about Apprenticeship Levy funding
- Contact VQ Solutions — we handle the setup, funding application, and programme delivery
- Start your programme — begin learning while continuing your day job
Not sure if the apprenticeship is right for you? We offer a free initial conversation to assess your situation and recommend the best route — whether that's the apprenticeship or the standalone CIPD Level 5.
