HR apprenticeships

Offering a direct pathway into the sector, HR apprenticeships provide you with hands-on experience and practical learning. Whether you're a school leaver or a professional looking to enhance your existing skills, there's an apprenticeship to suit your needs

Working in human resources involves interacting with people and addressing challenging situations and issues as they come up. It's essential to have a motivated attitude, an approachable personality, and a good grasp of workplace policies and culture.

A direct way to enter the HR profession and gain valuable practical experience is through an apprenticeship.

What types of HR apprenticeship are available?

HR apprenticeships are available at two levels:

• Level 3 HR support apprenticeship - equivalent to an A-level and typically lasting 18 to 24 months, on this apprenticeship, you'll use HR systems to keep records, help the business make HR changes and work in a range of areas including recruitment and retirement. An HR support apprenticeship is for you if you're entering the profession or are an existing member of staff looking to refresh your knowledge.
• Level 5 HR consultant/partner apprenticeship - if you're an HR manager in a small organisation, or have leadership duties in a larger organisation, the HR consultant/partner apprenticeship will boost your decision-making and influencing skills. The course runs for two to three years (or 18 months, if you've already completed the Level 3 apprenticeship) and is the equivalent of a foundation degree.

Whichever level you study at, HR apprenticeships focus on workplace-based learning. You'll also complete professional development training and spend a percentage of your time in the classroom. The apprenticeship ends with an End-Point Assessment (EPA), where you'll have your skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated against the relevant apprenticeship standard.

Which companies offer HR apprenticeships?

As HR is central to most sectors, you'll find roles across a number of organisations, including:

• Amazon - Apprentices will earn a Level 5 apprenticeship and the CIPD Level 5 Certificate in People Management across 24 months.
• Babington - Accredited CIPD apprenticeship lasting slightly over two years. Delivered in a blended learning format.
• NHS - Offers both Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships lasting 18 months and two years respectively.

What do HR apprenticeships involve?

You will have the responsibility of providing support on all HR-related topics. For example, in the Amazon apprenticeship, you'll be involved in employee administration, such as managing attendance accurately and in a timely manner. You'll also be tasked with collecting and inputting data to provide reports to senior leaders and supporting hiring initiatives, including onboarding new staff.

In the NHS Level 3 apprenticeship, you'll train to provide advice on a wide range of issues using company policy and current law. With the Level 5 apprenticeship, you will support business strategy through recruitment, development, and reward strategies as well as the management of relationships, systems, and processes. You will learn how to develop talent and build successful teams within the limitations of legislation and professional business practice.

It's worth noting that there are two different providers for the NHS apprenticeship, MBKB and BBP. Although they are broadly comparable, there are some differences between their course structures and delivery.

Who are apprenticeships aimed at?

The landscape of apprenticeships has evolved over time. Traditionally, they were mainly for school leavers and focused on intermediate or advanced qualifications. However, apprenticeships are now being recognised as a viable alternative to university, leading to an increase in degree-level opportunities.

For Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships, the target group is school leavers who must have GCSE passes in English, math, and science to qualify. Applicants need to be 16 or older, residents of England, and not in full-time education to be eligible.

Higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 4, 5, and 6) are generally designed for individuals with A-levels or those who have already completed an advanced apprenticeship.

Masters apprenticeships (Level 7) are aimed at individuals who already possess a Bachelors degree or have previously completed an apprenticeship.

How much will I be paid?

As an apprentice, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which is currently £6.40 per hour (from April 2024). This rate applies to those under the age of 19 and those aged 19 and over in the first year of an apprenticeship.

If you are over 19 and have completed your first year, you must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for your age. You can use the GOV.UK wage calculator to check if you are being paid correctly.

You will be paid for your working hours and any training you complete as part of the apprenticeship. You are also entitled to at least 20 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Despite these stipulations, salaries are set by individual employers, and in many cases, you will find you are paid significantly more than the NMW.

You won't incur any tuition costs during an apprenticeship as your employer covers these.

How do I get an HR apprenticeship?

The majority of employers offering HR apprenticeships advertise them on the careers The majority of employers offering HR apprenticeships advertise them on the careers section of their website. It's likely you'll have to fill out an application form, but check with individual employers as their methods may vary.

Treat your apprenticeship application in the same way you would a job application. When preparing your CV and cover letter, research the company you're applying to and read up on relevant legislation and current affairs in HR. You can find resources to help you keep up to date on CIPD's Views and Insights section.

Tailor your application to include evidence of examples where you've demonstrated the required competencies. Being able to market your skills in this way will be advantageous if you're invited to an interview, an assessment centre, or required to complete psychometric testing. In these settings, you're usually required to draw on your past experiences to indicate how you'll perform in the workplace.

Find out more

• Explore the range of available human resources jobs.
• If you're already at university, learn more about HR graduate schemes.
• Search graduate jobs in recruitment and HR.