The complete HR leadership apprenticeship. Build strategic people capability with the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma embedded within a structured programme from TESS Group.
We've benchmarked our programme against how this apprenticeship is typically delivered across the sector.
| Feature | TESS Group | Typical Provider |
|---|---|---|
| CIPD L5 Diploma Included | ✓ 6 units on-programme + 5CO03 at EPA | ✓ Included |
| Programme Duration | 16 + 3 months | 16–24 months + EPA (varies) |
| Teaching Delivery | Monthly live workshops + guided study | Varies — often self-paced or virtual only |
| OTJ Calibration | 487 hours — set to exact minimum | Generic estimates, often over-planned |
| Detailed Scheme of Work | ✓ Week-by-week session plan | Module-level outlines only |
| Dedicated Skills Coach | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mock EPA | ✓ Full rehearsal — both methods | Varies — sometimes partial only |
| Digital HR & Analytics Module | ✓ Dedicated month | Often integrated rather than standalone |
| Cohort Size | Small cohorts — personalised attention | Often 20–30+ learners |
| Employer Progress Reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
Based on publicly available information from major national apprenticeship providers as of March 2026.
Rated Good by Ofsted with a commitment to continuous improvement. Our apprenticeship programmes are quality-assured, regularly reviewed, and built on strong learner outcomes.
Every programme is calibrated to the exact minimum OTJ hours required by the standard — 487 hours, not a padded generic estimate. That means less unnecessary time off the job for your people.
Live taught workshops each month with guided study in between — a clear rhythm that fits around work, with a detailed session-by-session plan so employers always know what's being covered.
We keep cohort sizes small so every learner gets personalised attention from their tutor and skills coach. No one gets lost in a crowd.
A full month focused on HR technology, people analytics dashboards, and AI applications — preparing your team for the future of work, not just today's challenges.
Full mock rehearsals for both the presentation and professional discussion, with structured assessor-style feedback, so learners walk into EPA with confidence.
The gold standard HR qualification, fully embedded within the apprenticeship. Six units are delivered on-programme through a combination of workshops and guided study, each assessed through a substantial written assignment.
The seventh unit (5CO03) is completed post-gateway as the EPA integrated assignment. On successful completion, apprentices gain Associate Membership of the CIPD (Assoc CIPD) — a globally recognised professional credential.
TESS teaching modules alternate with CIPD guided-study blocks, building from foundations to strategic mastery. Monthly live workshops are complemented by self-directed study and workplace application.
Programme orientation, the people professional role, CIPD Profession Map, strategic context and professional identity.
35 OTJ HoursOrganisation design, culture models, performance management, wellbeing and inclusion strategy.
36 OTJ HoursGuided study workshops and 4,000-word written assignment on organisational purpose, culture and change.
28 OTJ HoursCritical thinking, people analytics, HR metrics and dashboards, financial and commercial acumen for HR.
36 OTJ HoursAnalysis and critical thinking applied to measuring the impact of people practice. 3,500-word assignment.
28 OTJ HoursWorkforce planning, recruitment best practice, onboarding, retention and building talent pipelines.
35 OTJ HoursEmployment relationship fundamentals, employee voice, engagement and conflict resolution. 3,500-word assignment.
28 OTJ HoursTotal reward strategy, pay equity, employee relations case management and trade union relations.
35 OTJ HoursSuccession planning, workforce analytics and scenario modelling. 3,500-word assignment.
28 OTJ HoursL&D strategy, learning needs analysis, coaching and mentoring models, evaluating L&D impact.
35 OTJ HoursReward principles, linking pay to performance and evaluating reward effectiveness. 3,500-word assignment.
28 OTJ HoursEmployment legislation, ethical practice, HR technology, AI in HR, people analytics dashboards, digital workplace.
37 OTJ HoursDEI concepts and legal context, inclusive practice, measuring impact and building strategy. 3,000-word assignment.
28 OTJ HoursStrategic HRM, business partnering, stakeholder management, project management and business case writing.
34 OTJ HoursFull programme recap, mock presentation and professional discussion, portfolio finalisation.
26 OTJ HoursTripartite gateway review, EPA registration, final readiness check and support plan for EPA period.
10 OTJ HoursPresentation with Q&A, Professional Discussion with Portfolio, and CIPD 5CO03 Integrated Assignment.
Three components — each graded Fail, Pass, or Distinction. All must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Present a strategic people management topic to an independent assessor, followed by probing questions.
Assessor-led structured discussion using your portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence.
Professional Behaviours & Valuing People — an integrated written assignment assessed by CIPD post-gateway.
These duties define what a People Professional does day-to-day. The full programme is designed to build competence across all 13.
Experienced HR practitioners ready to step into strategic advisory roles and shape organisational policy.
Business-facing HR professionals looking to deepen their commercial acumen and analytical capability.
Learning specialists wanting to broaden into generalist people practice with strategic L&D expertise.
Professionals from other disciplines building a strong HR foundation with a prestigious CIPD qualification.
Partner with an Ofsted-rated provider you can trust. Fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy — including the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma, dedicated coaching, and a structured curriculum your learners and managers can rely on.
Get in Touch Today