Learning and Development Consultant/Business Partner Apprenticeship
Our Level 5 Learning and Development Consultant Apprenticeship is designed for managers working with stakeholders across the business to improve performance
At a glance
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LevelLevel 5
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Duration18 months + EPA
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LocationWorkplace
About the course
Is this course right for you?
What you’ll learn
How you’ll learnAbout the course
Our Learning and Development Consultant Level 5 Apprenticeship is designed for managers and L&D professionals who work with stakeholders to improve business performance.
This 18-month blended programme, followed by an End Point Assessment, helps you build strategic L&D expertise while enhancing your existing skills—with full support from expert CIPD-accredited trainers.
You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to grow in your L&D career, and earn the respected CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development as part of the programme.
Delivered in partnership with the ICS Learn Group (DPG, Acacia, and ICS Learn), you’ll access high-quality resources from the UK’s leading HR and L&D awarding body.
This programme is government-regulated and funded through the apprenticeship levy or other government schemes.
Is this course right for you?
This apprenticeship is ideal for professionals already working in Learning and Development (whether in a generalist or specialist role) with expertise in areas such as organisational development, digital learning, blended learning, resourcing, or talent management.
It's particularly suited to those responsible for ensuring that L&D drives and influences performance improvement across individuals, teams, and the wider organisation.
If your role involves working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders (acting as a strategic partner, driving change, and making informed recommendations) then this programme is a strong fit for your development goals.
We also offer the Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner apprenticeship, perfect for those starting out or building practical skills. While Level 3 focuses on delivering learning, Level 5 prepares you for strategic roles like designing learning strategies and leading organisational change.
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become a capable L&D professional, with expert support across key areas—from technical expertise to strategic insight and building a learning culture.
Learning topics include:
- Technical expertise
- Understanding business needs
- The L&D function and its impact
- Management information and technology
- Creating and sustaining a learning culture
- Facilitation and delivery skills
- Budget and resource management
- Building effective stakeholder relationships
How you’ll learn
Throughout the 18-month programme (plus End Point Assessment), you’ll benefit from the dedicated support of our expert CIPD trainers, who will guide, coach, and mentor you every step of the way.
Your learning experience will include:
- A dedicated specialist trainer providing ongoing training, guidance, and support
- CIPD-led webinars
- Interactive online workshops
- Guided learning tasks
- Online learning resources and support
- 1-to-1 support, including coaching and tailored advice
- Assignments and work-based research projects
- Regular progress reviews, including pre-gateway and final gateway reviews
- Preparation and support for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Our blended learning approach ensures you gain practical, real-world skills while building the confidence and knowledge to excel in your L&D career.
"My stakeholder management has improved significantly, and I now approach projects in a more structured and strategic way. Using project plans and trackers has not only made me more organised but also helped build stronger relationships across the business. The structured ways of working I’ve picked up have made a difference not only to my L&D work, but to how I approach all areas of my role." Read Pam's full case study here.
Pamela Clifford, Communications & Engagement Officer at Evolve
Tyne Grant, Apprentice of Level 5 Learning & Development Business Partner
Learning and Development Consultant / Business Partner Apprenticeship - Realise
The people that make it happen
After university, I began my career in the Outdoor Industry, where I spent 13 years in a variety of roles. As a Head of Department, I gained my first exposure to transactional HR and began assessing apprenticeships and delivering qualifications regulated by governing bodies.
Later, as an Operations Manager, I took my first steps into strategic HR and never looked back. That experience confirmed that HR was the career path I wanted to pursue.
My first dedicated HR and L&D role was in the Hospitality Industry, where I completed my CIPD qualification and gained the experience needed to step into a more strategic position. I then moved into a role in the Finance Industry before joining Realise as an HR and L&D Trainer.
My passion for teaching began at 16, when I qualified as a swimming instructor. From there, my career progressed through the leisure, hospitality, and HR/L&D sectors - always with a strong focus on training and development.
I first encountered work-based qualifications while managing a small team, and I saw first-hand how these programs empowered both myself and my team with new knowledge and skills. I was hooked.
In 2014, I made the decision to fully transition into further education, joining an apprenticeship provider to deliver NVQs in business skills. When the Apprenticeship Standards were introduced, I naturally moved into delivering those — and I’ve never looked back.
I’ve built my career in training and learning and development (L&D) while working full-time, so I understand the challenges of balancing work and study. Over the past 20 years, I’ve progressed from advisor roles to Senior L&D and Organisational Development Consultant positions, gaining experience across both the private and public sectors.
My career has included leading change through mergers and acquisitions, supporting hospital teams during the height of Covid in 2020, and developing learning academies from entry level through to senior and executive support. I chose to teach the L&D apprenticeship and CIPD qualification to share my knowledge and experience, and to help other L&D professionals grow and advance in their careers.
FAQs
The L&D Consultant/Business Partner role exists within a range of organisations including private, public and third sector. Typically, the individual works alongside colleagues who specialise in Human Resources (i.e. employee relations, reward, recruitment), often supported by an L&D Administrator and / or L&D Practitioner. They report to a Senior L&D Manager, Head of Department or Director. In larger organisations, they may be one of a team supporting the business, and may have responsibility for managing people and a budget.
The successful apprentice will be eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) or any other professional body that recognises this apprenticeship within its membership criteria (membership is subject to the professional bodies own membership requirements).
Apprenticeships are cost-free to the learner. The responsibility for funding lies with the employer. Employers can fund apprenticeships in one of two ways:
> Apprenticeship Levy: Larger employers who pay the apprenticeship levy can use these funds to fully cover the cost of training.
> Co-investment: Smaller employers who do not pay the levy typically contribute 5% of the apprenticeship cost, with the government covering the remaining 95%.
This means businesses can access high-quality training for their staff at a low or no cost, depending on their size and funding eligibility.
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Level 5
Workplace
18 months + EPA
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