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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

Learning and Development Consultant/Business Partner Apprenticeship
Course overview

At a glance

  • overview-level-icon LevelLevel 5
  • overview-duration-icon Duration18 months + EPA
  • overview-locaton-icon LocationWorkplace

About 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

At the end of the programme, you’ll achieve the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development - a respected and recognised qualification that supports your career progression in L&D.

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.

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"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."

Pamela Clifford, Communications & Engagement Officer at Evolve
"I knew I wanted to do the CIPD Level 5 as that is the gold standard in HR really. I already held other qualifications but not ones which were nationally recognised. Doing this apprenticeship was a challenging but rewarding and enjoyable experience. I received two recognised qualifications that will support me in my career." Tyne Grant, Apprentice of Level 5 Learning & Development Business Partner 

Learning and Development Consultant / Business Partner Apprenticeship - Realise

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Our experts

The people that make it happen

team-img-hover-circle Susan Walker
Susan Walker CIPD Trainer, Business Skills
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team-img-hover-circle Nicki Williams
Nicki Williams Trainer, Business Skills
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team-img-hover-circle Joanne Stephenson
Joanne Stephenson Learning and Development CIPD Trainer 
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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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Need more information?

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