Level 5 People Professional (CIPD)

Launch Date - October 2026!

The Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship is designed for employees who support and influence an organisation’s people strategy. It develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work within a professional HR/People function, helping organisations attract, develop, retain and support their workforce. 

This apprenticeship is the updated version of the former Level 5 HR Consultant Partner Apprenticeship and has been renamed People Professional to better reflect the wider range of people-focused roles covered by the standard. 

Who is the Apprenticeship Suitable For?

The apprenticeship is ideal for employees who are already working in, or progressing towards, a professional HR or people-focused role.

Typical job roles include:

• HR Advisor 
• HR Consultant 
• HR Business Partner 
• People Advisor 
• People Manager 
• Employee Relations Advisor 
• Talent Manager 
• Organisation Development Consultant 
• Reward Consultant 
• Wellbeing Consultant 
• Diversity and Inclusion Manager 

It is particularly suited to staff who want to progress from operational HR responsibilities into a more strategic people role.

What Will Apprentices Learn?

The programme develops capability across the key areas required of modern People Professionals, including:

People Strategy & Business Support

Apprentices will learn how to:

• Support organisational objectives through effective people strategies 
• Understand how people initiatives contribute to business performance 
• Provide professional advice to managers and leaders 
• Support organisational change and improvement projects 

Recruitment, Talent & Workforce Planning

Apprentices develop skills in:

• Attracting and recruiting talent 
• Supporting workforce planning 
• Developing approaches to employee attraction and retention 
• Understanding employee development needs 

Employee Relations & Employment Law

Apprentices will understand:

• Employment legislation and its impact on organisations 
• How to provide advice on policies and procedures 
• Employee relations approaches 
• Supporting managers with workplace issues 

Reward, Wellbeing & Inclusion

The programme covers:

• Pay and reward principles 
• Employee benefits 
• Wellbeing strategies 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Creating positive workplace cultures 

Using Data to Improve People Practices

Apprentices learn how to:

• Analyse people data and trends 
• Use evidence to identify workforce challenges 
• Make recommendations based on insight 
• Measure the impact of people initiatives 

Qualification Included – CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management

As part of the apprenticeship, learners complete the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.

This is a recognised professional HR qualification that develops practical skills across core people disciplines.

Level 5 People Professional Standard

CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management 

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

At the end of the apprenticeship, learners complete an independent assessment to demonstrate they can apply their knowledge and skills in a real workplace setting.

The EPA consists of:

1. Presentation with Questions

Learners complete a workplace project and present their findings to an independent assessor, followed by questioning.

2. Professional Discussion Supported by a Portfolio

Learners discuss their experience, evidence and application of People Professional skills.

3. Integrated Assessment Assignment

Learners complete written responses demonstrating their understanding and application of key people practices.

Grades available are:

• Pass 
• Merit 
• Distinction 
• Fail 

Typically 18 months