If you work in HR and want to move from operational tasks into strategic people management, the Level 5 People Professional standard is the qualification route designed for exactly that transition. It's the UK's recognised apprenticeship for developing mid-level HR practitioners — and it includes a fully funded CIPD Level 5 qualification.
This guide covers what a People Professional actually does, how the apprenticeship works, what funding is available, and what it means for your career.
What Is a People Professional?
A People Professional is someone who manages and develops people within an organisation at a strategic level. The term comes from the CIPD Profession Map and the Level 5 apprenticeship standard maintained by Skills England (formerly the Institute for Apprenticeships).
Unlike entry-level HR roles that focus on administration and process, a People Professional:
- Advises senior leaders on workforce strategy and organisational design
- Manages complex employee relations cases, including disciplinaries and grievances
- Develops and implements people policies aligned with business objectives
- Uses data and evidence to inform HR decisions (people analytics)
- Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation
- Leads on talent management, succession planning, and workforce development
The role sits between HR Administrator/Officer level and senior HR leadership. It's the point where HR becomes genuinely strategic.
The Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship
The People Professional apprenticeship is a Level 5 programme that replaced the HR Consultant/Partner apprenticeship in 2022. It's designed for people already working in HR who want to develop strategic capability while earning a nationally recognised qualification.
What's Included
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management (embedded) |
| Level | Level 5 (equivalent to a foundation degree) |
| Duration | 18-24 months |
| Delivery | Blended — online learning, workshops, and workplace application |
| Cost to learner | £0 |
| End Point Assessment | Professional discussion + portfolio of evidence |
| CIPD membership | Eligible for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD) |
The CIPD Level 5 Qualification
The apprenticeship includes the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management as an integrated component. You don't pay separately for this — it's fully covered by the apprenticeship funding.
The diploma covers seven modules:
Core units:
- Organisational performance and culture in practice (5CO01)
- Evidence-based practice (5CO02)
- Professional behaviours and valuing people (5CO03)
Specialist units:
- Employment relationship management (5HR01)
- Talent management and workforce planning (5HR02)
- Reward for performance and contribution (5HR03)
Plus one optional unit — choices include specialist employment law, diversity and inclusion, well-being at work, and leadership and management development.
On completion, you can apply for Associate Membership of the CIPD and use the post-nominal letters Assoc CIPD — a recognised professional credential in the HR industry.
How the Apprenticeship Is Structured
On-the-Job Learning
The majority of your time is spent in your normal role, applying what you learn directly to real workplace challenges. This is where the apprenticeship differs from a standalone course — you're expected to demonstrate impact in your organisation, not just submit academic assignments.
Off-the-Job Training (minimum 6 hours per week)
At least 20% of your paid working hours are dedicated to structured learning activities:
- Online modules and video-based learning through VQ Solutions' Learning Management System (400+ explainer videos covering every assessment criterion)
- Live online workshops and masterclasses
- Research, reading, and reflective practice
- CIPD assignment development
- Portfolio building for End Point Assessment
End Point Assessment (EPA)
After completing the learning programme, you demonstrate your competence through an independent End Point Assessment:
- Professional discussion — a structured 60-minute conversation with an independent assessor about your HR practice, supported by a portfolio of evidence
- Work-based project with presentation — a strategic people management project that demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge to real business challenges
You're graded Pass or Distinction.
Funding: How the Apprenticeship Is Paid For
The People Professional apprenticeship is fully funded through the UK government's apprenticeship funding system. The learner never pays.
Levy-Paying Employers (payroll over £3 million)
Training costs are drawn directly from the employer's Apprenticeship Levy account. These funds expire after 24 months if unused — the apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways to use them.
Non-Levy Employers
The government covers 95% of the training cost. The employer pays just 5% — typically under £1,000 for the entire programme. That's a fraction of what the standalone CIPD Level 5 course costs (£2,160).
Small Employers (fewer than 50 employees)
If the apprentice is aged 16-21, the government funds 100% of the training cost. For apprentices aged 22+, the standard 95/5 co-investment split applies.
Who Is It For?
The People Professional apprenticeship is designed for people already working in HR or people management roles who want to step up to strategic-level practice. Typical candidates include:
- HR Officers and Advisors ready to move into business partner or management roles
- HR Administrators with experience who want formal professional recognition
- People/Talent Coordinators seeking CIPD accreditation
- L&D Practitioners wanting to broaden into general HR management
- Career changers who've moved into people roles and need formal qualifications
- Existing CIPD Level 3 holders ready for the next step
Entry Requirements
- Employed in an HR, people management, or L&D role in England
- Employer willing to support the apprenticeship (including the 20% off-the-job time)
- Right to work in England
- English and maths at Level 2 (GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent) — or willing to achieve this during the programme
- Not already holding a qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area
There are no strict academic entry requirements. Applications are assessed individually based on your role and experience.
People Professional vs Standalone CIPD Level 5
Not sure whether to take the apprenticeship route or self-fund the CIPD Level 5? Here's how they compare:
| People Professional Apprenticeship | Standalone CIPD Level 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to learner | £0 | £2,160 |
| CIPD Level 5 included | Yes (embedded) | Yes |
| Duration | 18-24 months (structured) | Self-paced (typically 6-12 months) |
| Employer involvement | Required (20% OTJ time) | None required |
| Assessment | CIPD assignments + End Point Assessment | Written assignments only |
| Learning style | Blended + workplace application | Online self-paced |
| Additional outcome | Apprenticeship certificate + CIPD diploma | CIPD diploma only |
| Best for | Employed HR professionals with a supportive employer | Self-funders wanting maximum flexibility |
Choose the apprenticeship if your employer supports it, you want structured development with real workplace application, 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. View our standalone CIPD Level 5 course →
Career Outcomes and Salary
HR professionals who complete the Level 5 People Professional standard (whether via the apprenticeship or standalone CIPD route) typically move into strategic roles:
| Role | Typical salary range |
|---|---|
| HR Business Partner | £40,000 – £55,000 |
| HR Manager | £38,000 – £52,000 |
| People Manager | £42,000 – £58,000 |
| Employee Relations Manager | £45,000 – £60,000 |
| L&D Manager | £40,000 – £55,000 |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | £42,000 – £56,000 |
Salaries vary by region, sector, and organisation size. London and the South East typically pay 10-20% above these ranges.
Beyond the salary uplift, the CIPD Level 5 qualification opens up progression to:
- CIPD Level 7 (Advanced Diploma) for Chartered Membership
- Level 7 Senior People Professional apprenticeship — the next step on the apprenticeship ladder
- Specialist HR roles in employment law, reward, organisational development, or talent strategy
Why VQ Solutions?
VQ Solutions is an approved CIPD centre and registered apprenticeship training provider delivering the Level 5 People Professional standard. Here's what sets our programme apart:
- 400+ explainer videos covering every assessment criterion in the CIPD Level 5 syllabus
- One-to-one mentoring with experienced HR professionals
- Live online workshops and tutor-led assignment support
- Free resubmissions if your work needs another attempt
- Dedicated EPA preparation to maximise your chance of a Distinction grade
- Employer dashboard so your organisation can track progress and ROI
We also deliver the standalone CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma for those who prefer the self-funded route, and CIPD Level 3 for those earlier in their HR career.
How to Get Started
- Check your eligibility — you need to be employed in an HR or people management role with an employer willing to support the apprenticeship
- Talk to your employer — discuss Apprenticeship Levy funding or the 95% government co-investment option
- Contact VQ Solutions — we handle the funding application, onboarding, 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.
