Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you, if you wish to become a Senior People Professional and are new to the role or have previous qualifications and/or experience and are working in an associated role, which provides support for qualified professionals.

This occupation is found in small, medium and large organisations which sit within any of the public, private or third sectors. Senior People Professionals are found in all industries and are a key component of virtually all types of business model, where there is a workforce to support and manage.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to improve people practices in organisations, in order to drive organisational performance and effectiveness. Senior People Professionals are the in-house experts in people, work and change. They champion the people agenda to create working environments and cultures that help get the best out of people, delivering great organisational outcomes.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of stakeholders across their organisation, creating medium to long-term value for a wide audience. In larger organisations, they may be part of a wider specialist team. They may also lead a team of Human Resources (HR) / Learning & Development (L&D) / Organisational Development (OD) consultants/advisers. In smaller organisations, they might be solely responsible for the entire people agenda and report directly to the organisation lead. At this level, Senior People Professionals are ambassadors for their organisations and will typically have wide-ranging networks and need to interact with a wide range of internal and external senior stakeholders.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for applying their knowledge and expertise to lead the design, implementation and evaluation of people policies and practices, aligned to the needs of the organisation and its employees. They will be responsible for leading people projects and/or playing a key role in larger organisation-wide programmes and managing their own work with a high level of autonomy. Senior People Practitioners have to keep up to date with relevant legislation and regulation and make timely interventions, to ensure their organisation's relations with its people are effective and compliant.

Senior People Professionals engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including developing and maintaining strong relationships with senior stakeholders to facilitate engagement on people issues. Keeping up to date with key trends and developments in the profession is critical to this occupation. Analysis of future workforce trends and providing insight around

people analytics is an essential responsibility, which enables Senior People Professionals to influence senior stakeholders and make recommendations for change. Senior People Professionals are increasingly responsible for seeking out, evaluating and utilising technology to deliver the people strategy. Typically, Senior People Professionals have some budget responsibility and will be expected to employ continuous improvement approaches to maximise the use of limited resources.

Senior People Professionals may specialise in either Human Resources (HR), Learning & Development (L&D) or Organisation Development (OD). This apprenticeship occupational standard takes a core and options approach. All apprentices will complete the core and must select the one most appropriate option to their role from HR, L&D and OD.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· The design, creation, implementation and review of people policies and practices aligned to the needs of the organisation

· Critical analysis and evaluation of internal and external factors that contribute to the development of a workstream

· How to manage and lead people projects and business cases for the wider organisation, as well as apply change management methodologies

· Assess current and future workforce needs, such as talent management

· Maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and manage budgets

· Ensure resource availability to help drive sustained commercial success

· Select and implement appropriate technology to assist continuing improvement and minimise risk

· Shape and drive the organisation's culture, core values and beliefs

· Integrate diversity and inclusion

· Keep up to date with external trends to provide coaching and mentoring

· Keep up to date with relevant legislation such as employment law, ethics, equality & diversity and compliance.

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

· Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

· Project proposal and presentation with questioning

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e., pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 7 Senior People Professional's programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· 5 GCSEs Grade 4/C or higher, including the above is preferred but not essential

· 2 A-Levels Grade A to C is preferred but not essential

· A previous Level 5 qualification in human resources is preferred but not essential

· Demonstrate a passion for strategic, operational and inclusive leadership

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme, and you will be expected to attend day-release; 1 day a week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Is there anything else I will have to pay for in order to do this course?

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some textbooks for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto surrounding certification/qualifications that may be of benefit to the role e.g., AAT Accounting, Prince2.