Senior People Professional Apprenticeship

The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship at Keele University is designed to elevate HR expertise and knowledge. It empowers participants to unlock the full potential of their workforce, develop efficient HR processes and cultivate a positive workplace culture. 

Duration: 2 years (plus End-Point Assessment).

Qualification: MSc in Human Resource Management (Senior People Professional).

Application: We typically require applications 8 weeks before programme starts.

Ofsted: 'Good' Ofsted rating for Apprenticeships at Keele University in Full Inspection, June 2023.

The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship encourages participants to draw upon their existing human resources or management experience and to develop new skills and knowledge applicable to their current role. The programme is designed to strengthen people management expertise and enable apprentices to become empowered to succeed within human resource management.

  • The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship focuses on the important areas of human resource management and explores contemporary theories and key debates. 
  • The apprenticeship is suitable for HR individuals currently working in any organisation and sector.
  • The programme has been designed for professionals looking to progress to a more strategic or managerial HR position in their organisation.

Apprentices will examine the management of labour in organisations, exploring the skills and behaviours senior managers require. The programme will investigate the role of management in organisations, study the employee lifecycle and explore strategic human resource management and leadership.

Examples of indicative modules include.

  • Foundations of Human Resource Management.
  • Professional Skills and Practice in Human Resource Management.
  • People, Work and Organisations.
  • Employee Resourcing and Development.
  • Employee Relations and Reward.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management.
  • Leading in a Complex World.
  • Workshops in Human Resource Management.

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship typically requires.

  • A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) or a degree-level professional qualification.
  • Professional HR experience (assessed at interview) and applicants should be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Senior People Professional apprenticeship standard. 
  • GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent.

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

  • Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
  • This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We also have dedicated Work-Based Learning Officers to guide you through the apprenticeship when you are studying on one of our programmes.
  • We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

  • Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
  • Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.

Applicants must meet several key criteria:  

  • Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeship focus.  
  • If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
  • Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.  
  • Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.  

Why Keele University?

Keele University is proud to offer a variety of apprenticeships across different sectors and specialisms. We provide a personalised approach to apprenticeships and have an evolving programme portfolio, based on employer needs through consultation.