CIPD Level 7 Apprenticeship | What’s Going On?

A CIPD accredited Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship has now been developed. Designed for senior professionals, working in Human Resources and Learning and Development roles, this apprenticeship will further develop the specialist skills that senior professionals need to lead departments and people in organisations. 

So, what do we know so far?

The recommended duration is 36 months, which is a year longer than we recommend for the CIPD Level 7 Diploma.

Who is eligible?

The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship, as the name suggests, is designed for those already in senior leadership positions rather than those working towards those roles. However, you will be eligible if you’re in a senior generalist HR or Learning & Development role or more specialist Organisational Development, Change Management, Employee Experience or Talent role. The standard reflects that the People Profession is a broad one with many different aspects.

What will the structure be?

To cover all the breadth of the different roles mentioned above this apprenticeship is following a core and optional approach. This is very much inline with the CIPD Level 7 Diploma which has four core modules:

• Managing and Developing People
• Developing Business Leadership Skills
• Investigating Business Issues from a HR perspective
• Understanding Human Resource Management in Context

Then four optional modules are chosen to specialise in either HR, Learning & Development or a third route – Organisation Development. Which route you go down will be determined by the job role you are currently in.

How will the apprenticeship be assessed?

The apprenticeship is assessed in two ways:

• A professional discussion that's supported by a portfolio of evidence
• A project proposal, presentation and Q&A session with a panel of experts

Both of these assessments will be rated either pass, fail or distinction. Your results from both assessments will depend on whether you are graded pass, fail or distinction for the overall qualification. 

What else is part of this apprenticeship?

There are several compulsory elements of the apprenticeship. They include:

• Individual learning plans
• End point assessment
• 20% off-the-job training
• Minimum of 12 months on-programme training

Who’s involved in developing this apprenticeship standard?

The CIPD has been working with employers to develop an apprenticeship standard which meets both academic and professional expectations. Employers involved include Walter Smith Fine Foods, the NHS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Sainsbury’s and Canon Europe.

How can I find out more information?

For up to date information on the standard you can check out The Institute of Apprenticeships website. You can also contact us and one of our course advisors will be able to help you to understand either apprenticeships or CIPD programmes.

To find out more about CIPD Advanced Qualifications have a look here. 

You can also get more information on either HR or L&D apprenticeships.