Human Resources & Learning and Development apprenticeships

Flexible, accredited training

Cost-effective talent development 

Build capability and close skills gaps 

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Who we work with

Why HR apprenticeships matter

Build confident HR capability and reduce people-management risk

HR apprenticeships offer employers a cost effective way to strengthen internal people capability while recuding reliance on external recruitment, consultants or over-stretched managers. By developing in-house teams, your business can improve recruitment, onboarding, employee support and HR administration, whilst staying compliant and building a positive, people focused culture.

For learners, an apprenticeship provides real hands on experience alongside a recognised qualification, offering a practical route into a meaningful career in HR and organisational development.

Access funded training 

For SMEs, 95% of training costs are covered and, in some circumstances, will be free.

Develop a skilled team 

Recruit or upskill HR prodessionals with a CIPD qualification and training that meets your business needs.

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Customised training available

We work with you to tailor delivery and align to your business needs.

Funded CIPD-aligned training built around you

Develop people skills, build better workplaces

HR apprenticeships offer funded, accredited training that combines real‑world experience, helping learners grow into confident HR professionals while giving employers a cost‑effective way to develop strong, people‑focused teams. We work closely with you to deliver tailored training that helps your organisation thrive.

Better day-to-day HR operations 

Through training that meets your organisation’s processes, values and compliance needs.

Improve employee experience

With staff who understand recruitment, engagement, wellbeing and performance management.

Develop future HR leaders 

Who understand your culture, policies and priorities

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The apprenticeship is providing me with both practical and theoretical knowledge. Additionally it is allowing me to gain hands on experience and build me a professional network within the HR industry.

Payal, HR Support Apprentice

The learning experience

Gain hands on experience supporting people management, policies and HR processes.

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Annual face-to-face
networking events

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Monthly webinars

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Individual coaching and mentoring sessions

Discover how we're achieving success

Expert support for employers

Are you looking for more information on how apprenticeships can benefit your business?

We have a wealth of resources available on our dedicated employer hub to help guide you through the process and explain how we can support you every step of the way.

Success with Total People

96%

First-time pass rate

93% 

Overall learner satisfaction

95% 

Overall employer satisfaction

*Based on 2025-2026 survey results.

Frequently asked questions

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You’ll be assigned an experienced Recruitment Officer who’ll keep you up to date with your vacancy and will support you through the process. 

If you’re looking for industry specific information, we'll link you with a colleague from the vocational team who will be able to answer any questions or queries. 

It really is that straight forward! So call  today on 03333 222 666 or complete a contact form below and a member of our team will contact you.

Apprenticeships give you the professional skills and knowledge you need for your chosen career. They’re a mixture of  on-the-job training and classroom learning that mean you can  earn while you learn.

  • Earn and learn, receive a wage and gain a qualification.
  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification.
  • Receive friendly support and guidance.
  • Gain invaluable work and real world experience.
  • Become an essential part of a team.
  • Improve your career prospects.
  • Progress within your chosen industry.
  • No debt!

Usually  between 12 and 18 months, however some can last over 24 months.

It’s quick and easy. 

And that’s all there is to it. You’ve just applied for an apprenticeship! 

The current minimum wage for an apprentice is £8.00, but a lot of employers pay a higher hourly wage and this can vary between sectors and employers. Every vacancy we post clearly states how much you’ll earn so you’re fully aware before you apply for a role.

To become an apprentice you need to be 16 or over.  However, it’s always best to start  looking for  vacancies five to six months before you want to get a job. This means you’ll be ready and know what to do  when it comes to applying.  There’s no upper age limit to becoming an apprentice.

It’s not necessary but some employers may ask for it. Make sure you check the vacancy information first to see if  any specific experience or grades are needed.

Apprenticeships are a great stepping stone  to a long-term career. More than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, which shows how beneficial they can be.

Feature

HR Apprenticeship

L&D Apprenticeship

Focus

General human resources functions (recruitment, employee relations, training, payroll)

Training and development

Areas of expertise

Broader range of HR topics

Specialised in learning and development strategies

Training content

Includes HR fundamentals, policies, communication, and technology

Focuses on instructional design, performance management, and employee engagement

Career path

Can lead to various HR roles (e.g., HR generalist, HR manager)

Can lead to roles in training, development, or instructional design

A HR apprentice is like a beginner in the HR field. They're learning the ropes and need extra help and guidance to understand how everything works.

They'll help with tasks like hiring new people, dealing with employee problems, planning training, and managing payroll.

An L&D apprentice helps with training and development in a company. They figure out what training employees need, create training programmes, and help deliver these programmes.

They also check how well the training works and help with performance reviews. This helps the company grow and improve its employees' skills.

An HR apprenticeship provides a valuable opportunity to learn practical HR skills and gain hands-on experience, such as:

  • Learning soft skills.
  • Posting jobs, reviewing resumes, interviewing, and welcoming new employees.
  • Helping with employee questions/problems.
  • Helping with training needs within the company.
  • Helping with payroll.
  • Learning about company policy for hiring, performance, and employee issues.
  • Helping to create, use, and keep company policy.
  • Being good at talking to people, both in writing and in person.
  • Learning to resolve workplace issues related to HR.
  • Working well with others.
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Learning to use computer programmes for HR.

Here at Total People, we offer comprehensive guidance to employers hiring HR apprentices. We provide support in securing funding, ensuring the apprentice receives a high-quality learning experience, and offering ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship program.

We also provide guidance on legal requirements and ensure that apprentices receive the benefits they are entitled to.

We’re experts in providing HR apprentices with a range of guidance and support to ensure their success.

This includes regular meetings with a personal tutor, access to an online classroom with resources, training in HR areas, help with coursework, development of essential skills, and assistance with any challenges they may face.

This comprehensive support helps apprentices achieve their goals and build a strong foundation for a successful career in human resources.

Classroom-based training in an HR apprenticeship programme typically covers a wide range of topics related to human resources. Here are some common elements of classroom-based training:

  • HR fundamentals such as employment law, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compensation.
  • Learning about company policies and procedures related to HR functions.
  • Developing effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees, managers, and stakeholders.
  • Learning to identify and solve HR-related issues.
  • Understanding ethical principles and their application in HR practices.
  • Becoming familiar with HR software and technology tools.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies and simulations.

Classroom-based training is complemented by on-the-job training and practical experience. This combination allows apprentices to gain a well-rounded understanding of HR and develop the skills necessary for a successful career.

Yes! Upon completion of the apprenticeship programme, an apprentice will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter the HR workforce.

This provides a clear career progression pathway and ensures you retain skilled talent that you helped develop.

How much will a HR apprentice cost my business?

The cost of an apprenticeship varies depending on the size of your company - a payroll of over £3m requires you to pay an apprenticeship levy tax.

This tax is then used to contribute towards any apprentices you hire, and the apprentices hired by smaller companies. The government tops-up any levy tax contributions by 10% each month.

If you don’t pay the levy tax due to not meeting the threshold - the government will contribute 95% towards the cost of the apprenticeships - this can vary depending on the funding bands per apprenticeship programme.

The government incentives the apprenticeships by lowering the salary threshold for apprentices - this encourages employers to hire apprentices and develop talent in various industries, including HR.

Contact us to find out more about your apprenticeship funding entitlement.

It is important to make sure you’re giving your HR apprentice the best learning experience, so they have the skills to enter the HR industry upon completing their course.

The goal of a good HR apprentice employer is to develop your apprentices’ skills so you can keep them on as an employer post-graduation.

Here are some things you can do to make sure the apprenticeship programme is beneficial to both your business and your apprentice:

  • Exposure to various HR areas like recruitment, employee relations, training, andpayroll.
  • Opportunities to work on actual HR projects and tasks.
  • Guidance from experienced HR professionals.
  • Chances to connect with other HR professionals.
  • Fulfilling your apprentices legal entitlement to personal development hours.
  • Relevant training courses and workshops.
  • Opportunities to attend conferences and webinars.
  • Regular feedback on performance and areas for improvement.
  • Assistance in setting and achieving career goals.
  • A supportive and encouraging environment.

At the end of their apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive a formal qualification, such as a Level 3, Level 5 or Level 7 diploma in HR, accredited by a recognised awarding body. This qualification will be nationally recognised.

Contact us using this form and select employer enquiry.

We’ll then be in touch to gather your requirements and discuss the best approach to get your vacancy live. Our dedicated team of recruitment specialists will work closely with you to understand your specific HR apprenticeship requirements and help you find a suitable match.

The process of hiring an HR apprentice can be completed relatively quickly, often within 1-2 months. Due to the high demand for HR apprenticeships, suitable candidates can often be found easily.

By effectively advertising the vacancy, screening applications, and conducting interviews, employers can efficiently fill the HR apprentice role and start benefiting from their contributions to the team.

On our website and on the National Apprenticeship Service’s website, which is a national online recruitment system.

It’s managed by us. Once we have your information, we’ll add your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service website and monitor the number of applications.

We’ll firstly filter the applications based on what you’re looking for in a candidate. To comply with regulations, the applications will be sent via a secure file sharing system.

Just let us know the name of the person and we’ll arrange a meeting with you to organise their apprenticeship programme.

We can always extend your closing date or re-advertise your vacancy at a later date.

You’re not under any obligation to recruit someone from the site, but if you do, you’ll have to make sure they’re signed up to an apprenticeship programme with Total People.

In addition, we’ll promote your vacancy for free in our weekly applicant newsletter and highlight the vacancy on our homepage carousel.  We’ll also promote your vacancy on our social media channels.

Are you an individual?

Become an apprentice

If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, take a look at our current vacancies.

Are you a business?

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03333 222 666

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