HR Apprenticeships
Level 3 and Level 5, with CIPD
Train as an HR professional while you work. Your employer and the government pay for the training, and you finish with a CIPD qualification.
What is an HR apprenticeship?
An HR apprenticeship is a job in human resources combined with structured training. You work in an HR role, spend part of your working hours on off-the-job training, and finish with an apprenticeship certificate and a CIPD qualification. There are two levels: the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship for people in HR support roles, and the Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship for people already advising on people matters.
Level 3 and Level 5 compared
| Level 3HR Support Apprenticeship | Level 5People Professional Apprenticeship | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | People in an HR support role, including those new to HR | People already working in an HR or people management role |
| Length | 8 to 13 months | 8 to 22 months |
| Off-the-job training | 370 hours minimum | 487 hours minimum |
| CIPD qualification included | CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice | CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management |
| End-point assessment | Project and a professional discussion | Presentation with questioning, and a professional discussion based on a portfolio |
| Roles it leads to | HR Administrator, HR Assistant, People Coordinator, HR Officer | HR Business Partner, HR Manager, People Manager, L&D Manager |
| Full Level 3 details | Full Level 5 details |
Not sure which one fits? Take the two-minute CIPD level quiz.
How HR apprenticeships are funded
The apprentice pays nothing. What the employer pays depends on whether they pay the apprenticeship levy.
Employers who pay the apprenticeship levy
Use your levy funds to cover the full cost of the training.
Employers who do not pay the levy
You pay 5% of the training cost and the government pays the other 95%.
Younger apprentices
Training may be 100% funded for apprentices aged 16 to 21, and employers receive £1,000 for hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 18.
More detail: apprenticeship funding explained and managing your levy.
For learners
To start an HR apprenticeship with us you need to be:
- Employed in an HR, HR support or people management role
- Working at least 30 hours a week
- The right to work in England
- Not in full-time education
You can already be in the job. Many HR apprentices are existing employees who want a recognised qualification. If you do not have an HR role yet, see our apprenticeship vacancies or read how to find an HR apprenticeship.
For employers
Use an HR apprenticeship to hire a new member of the people team or to develop someone you already employ.
- Fully funded from your levy, or 95% government funded if you do not pay it
- Your HR staff gain a CIPD qualification and current employment law knowledge
- Open to existing employees at any level, as well as new hires
- Delivered across England through online learning and live classes
How the training is delivered
Both programmes use blended learning: online study on our learning platform, more than 30 live tutor-led classes, and one-to-one mentoring. Off-the-job training happens during paid working hours, with a minimum of 370 hours at Level 3 and 487 hours at Level 5. Our guide to off-the-job training explains what counts.
Apprenticeship or self-funded CIPD course?
Both routes lead to the same CIPD qualification. The difference is who pays, how long it takes and how much your employer is involved.
| HR apprenticeship | Self-funded CIPD course | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Your employer, through the levy or with government funding | You: £1,152 for Level 3 or £2,160 for Level 5, or monthly |
| Who can do it | People employed in England in an HR role, 30+ hours a week | Anyone, anywhere |
| How long | 8 to 13 months at Level 3, 8 to 22 months at Level 5 | Self-paced: typically 3 to 6 months at Level 3, 6 to 12 at Level 5 |
| Support | Live tutor-led classes, a mentor, and time to train in working hours | Online materials, tutor support and drop-in sessions, in your own time |
| CIPD qualification | Included | Included |
Enquire about an HR apprenticeship
Tell us whether you are a learner or an employer and we will be in touch about eligibility, funding and start dates.
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