Human Resource Management

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualifications,
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 5 Pathway Human Resource Management is 60 credits.

Entry requirements

The HR Management Apprenticeship Pathway is open to those who have no prior HR experience as well as those who are working in HR.

A HR apprentice will need good levels of numeracy and literacy, as well as a strong interest in what makes businesses successful, and how to get the best out of people. Good analytical skills and the ability to work with colleagues to earn their trust and respect are also important.

The CIPD has identified eight key behaviours necessary for success in HR. These are:

• curiosity
• decisive thinker
• skilled influencer
• driven to deliver
• collaborative
• courage to challenge
• role model
• personally credible.

Processes for recruiting HR apprentices should ensure they assess an applicant’s aptitude for working in HR as well as their educational achievements.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 5: Human Resource Management

Level 5: Human Resource Management Qualifications

Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualification(s) below.

Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualifications.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Associate People Management – 42 credits

CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development – 42 credits

The minimum training hours for the Human Resource Management Apprenticeship is 717 hours.

It is expected that the Apprenticeship will last a minimum of 12 months

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
• 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Other additional requirements

The CIPD Level 5 Diploma requires that learners are a minimum of 18 years old. This requirement has been put in place due to the level of maturity required to manage sensitive HR issues.

Progression

Level 5: Human Resource Management

Progression into the Higher Apprenticeship in HR Management may be from a wide number of routes due to the varying backgrounds and past academic and work related experiences of apprentices.

Progression routes into the Higher Apprenticeship in HR Management at Level 5:

• an Advanced Apprenticeship in Business and Administration or Management;
• a Higher Apprenticeship in Business and Professional Administration or Management;
• Regulatory Qualification Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in HR or Business-related areas;
• GCSEs;
• a Welsh Baccalaureate, including any of the Principal Learning Qualifications at foundation and higher level;
• A levels or equivalent qualifications;
• previous CIPD qualifications, such as the Level 3 Foundation Certificate or Diploma in
• Human Resource Practice.

Progression routes from the Higher Apprenticeship in HR Management at Level 5:

• undergraduate and post graduate degrees in HR Management or Business-related areas;
• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR Management;
• HR manager/advisor roles, either as generalists or specialists;
• Chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers must also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than two-thirds of the UK’s Human Resource professionals are female, and just under one-third is male.

CIPD is working to address perceptions that HR is a female occupation by showcasing the careers of HR professionals from a variety of backgrounds. This approach will continue with the promotion of the higher apprenticeship.

HR is increasingly becoming a graduate career. The higher apprenticeship will open up a new route into the profession for talented individuals who do not want to go to university but want to pursue a professional career in HR.

Entry conditions to this Pathway do not discriminate against any individuals, with the Pathway being open and accessible to all potential apprentices.

Mentoring is also promoted within the apprenticeship to provide additional support and increase the chances of apprentices staying.

Instructus Skills monitors take-up and achievement of all apprenticeships and will take steps to address any barriers to take-up and achievement (February 2018).

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

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