Senior People Professional Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

At least three years’ experience in a managerial/professional HR/ L&D/OD role and a second-class honours degree or equivalent or CIPD Level 5. Alternatively, a minimum of five years’ experience in a managerial/ professional HR/L&D/OD role would be considered if no prior degree is held.

In a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship standard, for example the opportunity to lead projects, access to influence strategy and implement changes. If applicants are overqualified through experience or qualifications, they may not be eligible for funding.

There is a requirement from the Education and Skills Funding Agency that apprentices hold a level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics.

If an applicant does not hold GCSE's (C /4 or above) in English and Maths or cannot evidence these or equivalent qualifications, they should be willing to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications prior to Gateway.  

For more information about how we support Functional Skills, click here.

Individual employers may set additional selection criteria in discussion with the University.

Applicants must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship- please see the ESFA guidance for further information.

How to apply

Selection to this programme is made by employers; candidates should already hold a post with the employer and continue working for them throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. The candidate should initially speak to their HR department and/or manager to gain sign off to undertake this apprenticeship.

Once the employer agrees for the candidate to apply for the apprenticeship, the candidate should then email businessDAS@exeter.ac.uk requesting an admissions pack. If successful, the applicant will be offered a place at the University, and then a place on the programme. Further information will then be sent by our team about how to enrol as an apprentice.

Funding

Full programme cost: £19,000

This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution.  See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.

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Course content

• People are the heart of your business and you need strong HR/L&D/OD leadership to improve practices in your organisation, driving performance and effectiveness. Invest in your people to build a team who champion the people agenda, creating working environments and cultures that help get the best out of your workforce, delivering great organisational outcomes.
• Apprentices will be able to specialise and tailor their learning, through the selection of their optional module, to Human Resources, Learning and Development or Organisation Development.
• The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship will encourage critical thinking through a combination of problem-based and inquiry-led learning.  As a result, apprentices will be able to apply their new knowledge, skills, and behaviours to a variety of workplace situations.
• Topics covered on this programme include:
• Continuing Professional Development
• Resourcing and talent management
• HR Skills and Behaviours
• HRM strategy
• Research skills and project management

Learning

Approximately one day a week of an apprentice's contractual working time over the duration of the programme will be given over to study. Our model is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and workloads. No weekly day-release is required, mitigating disruption of their daily role and ensuring maximum flexibility.

The blended learning format incorporates:

• Masterclasses
• Peer-led enquiry groups
• Module specific seminars
• Academic study skills
• Online learning platform
• Varied assesments including examinations, assignments and presentations

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Employer information

This programme is designed for organisations looking to train and recruit professional managers who can drive improvements within your HR/L&D/OD department and practices. While learning all they need to succeed in a senior HR/L&D/OD management role, apprentices will champion the people agenda, creating work environments and cultures that get your workforce delivering their best.

Apprentices develop a rounded knowledge base by studying topics including resourcing and talent management, employee relations, performance management, reward management, HRM strategy and HR analytics. Work-relevant assessments will embed academic study, generating strong professional impact.

Download our Senior People Professional brochure

Online information sessions

For more information please join us for our Senior People Professional Apprenticeship Information sessions. These virtual meetings will be hosted by the University’s Degree Apprenticeship team and the Academic team from the University of Exeter Business School who will be delivering the programme. The sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about what an apprenticeship is, to gain an overview of the programme and to ask any questions.

Register for our upcoming sessions

• Tuesday 3rd December 2024 - 2pm - 3pm
• Tuesday 7th January 2025 - 1pm - 2pm

Careers

This programme will enable apprentices to develop the professional skills and subject expertise that will help them to further and excel in their career. Apprentices will be able to improve practices in their organisation, helping to drive performance and effectiveness.

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View all degree apprenticeships