In January 2024, the University of Gloucestershire kicked off a brand-new apprenticeship designed for current and aspiring senior HR professionals.
The Senior People Professional Degree Apprenticeship provides learners with the skills to lead HR improvements in their organisation; create workplace cultures that support individual wellbeing and organisational performance; and develop their own capabilities as reflexive practitioners.
Teaching on the programme is delivered over three-years via block
release. Upon successful completion, learners graduate with an Executive MSc in
Strategic Human Resource Practice and meet all the requirements for chartered
member status from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Like all apprenticeship programmes, tuition fees are funded via the apprenticeship levy, meaning this master’s levy programme is a cost-effective choice for both employers and learners alike.
Lara Still, people advisor for Superdry, explained that the programme is already proving beneficial: 'I knew I wanted to gain a qualification to support my career goals, and so looked into a couple of different options. An apprenticeship particularly appealed due to the ability to do this, alongside my day job, with dedicated ‘off the job’ hours. It seemed the perfect option!
'The structured approach is helping me to deepen my understanding of HR principles and best practices, which I can then apply directly to my role. It has also been great to meet other HR professionals to expand my network and share insights with.
'It has been an adjustment getting back into the academic world, however I am really enjoying the challenge and having set time every week to continue my professional development has quickly become one of my favourite parts of the week!'
The next cohort of this programme will get underway in September 2024, and University of Gloucestershire is keen to speak to individuals and employers who may be interested in finding out more.
As such, there will be an information event on Wednesday 10 April 2024 at the Gloucestershire Business school, where members of the teaching team will outline the programme and answer any questions.
To find out more or to book, visit eventbrite.co.uk.
