HR Support (Level 3)

Whether you’re starting out in your HR career or already working within a support level role, the Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship will provide you with a solid foundation of all areas of HR and develop the essential skills and confidence you need to progress your career further. It is suited to individuals who are:

• looking to get into HR, or progress into a new HR role
• working at a support level, e.g. HR Administrator
• looking to prove your credibility and become a CIPD professional member – successful completion of this qualification automatically leads to Foundation membership of the CIPD, the first level of professional membership

This programme will build your understanding of how effective people practice contributes to the success of organisational performance. You will apply your knowledge to people management issues within a range of organisational contexts, to develop your skills and confidence.

Successful completion of the programme will mean you are awarded the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice, which will entitle you to CIPD foundation member status. Not only that, you will also receive the Level 3 HR Support apprentice qualification too. As a fully qualified Level 3 HR apprentice, you will have a comprehensive foundation knowledge of people practice, which is a great platform upon which to build a successful HR career.

“The Level 3 programme has given me a much clearer understanding in recruitment and selection, which I’m now applying by supporting interviews and shortlisting. I feel more confident when reviewing applications or advising managers on selection methods. In the area of performance management, I’ve been able to apply motivation and reward concepts during return-to-work interviews and while helping managers understand how to better support team members. I’m also starting to see how these concepts link with employee engagement and retention, which has helped me contribute more meaningfully during HR planning discussions.” Level 3 Learner feedback (2025)

There are no formal entry requirements. However, entry onto the programme would be subject to employer approval following a discussion with a member of our apprenticeship team. This is to ensure that you will receive the support required from your employer for the duration of the programme.

If you do not hold a GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths you will need to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 prior to completion of the standard if Aged 16-18.

In the first year of your apprenticeship, the modules you will study as part of the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice are:

3CO01 Business. culture and change in context

This unit helps you understand how organisations operate within a wider business, social and economic environment. You will explore the key external factors that influence organisational decisions and examine how and why organisations set goals. The unit introduces workplace culture, showing how everyday behaviours shape the way organisations function and perform.

3CO02 Principles of analytics

This unit introduces the fundamentals of how data is used to inform decisions in the workplace. You will explore different types of data, measures and outcomes, and how these support effective decision making. The unit also develops your confidence in interpreting basic financial information using common calculations and critical thinking skills. You will examine the concept of organisational value, considering how organisations create value for customers and stakeholders.

3CO03 Core behaviours for people professionals

This unit focuses on the professional behaviours that underpin effective people practice. The unit encourages you to evaluate ethical behaviour in the context of your role, including compliance with relevant regulation and employment law. You will develop positive ways of working, learning how to contribute ideas, challenge issues constructively and work inclusively with others. The unit also highlights the importance of reflective practice as a tool to continuously develop your professional knowledge, skills and experience. 

3CO04 Essentials of people practice

This unit provides a practical introduction to core people practice activities across the employee lifecycle. You will develop skills in recruitment, selection and appointment, exploring different methods and their effectiveness in attracting and selecting candidates. The unit covers preparing job-related documentation, shortlisting applicants and participating in selection interviews, including appropriate follow-up actions. You will also gain an understanding of key employment legislation and organisational practices, particularly in relation to diversity, inclusion and employee relationships. Finally, the unit introduces learning and development, and reward, exploring their role in supporting individual and organisational performance.

The End Point Assessment

In the second year of your apprenticeship, you will focus on completing your End Point Assessment (EPA)

The purpose of the End Point Assessment is to assess if the apprentice has met all the requirements of the apprenticeship standards and that they are occupationally competent in the role of HR Support.

There are 2 elements to the End Point Assessment:

• Consultative Project

• Professional Discussion

Once EPA is completed successfully, you will be a fully qualified Level 3 HR Support apprentice

Each of the 4 modules of the Foundation Certificate in People Practice is assessed via the submission of a written assignment. There are currently no examinations at Level 3.

The End Point Assessment consists of a consultative project, a real example of work done by the apprentice in their role, which is submitted as a report, and finally a 60 minute professional discussion. These EPA tasks are assessed by an external CIPD assessor.

Following successful completion of the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship, you may want to consider studying with us for the Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management. Successful completion of level 5 would make you eligible to apply for an upgrade to Associate CIPD membership status. Level 5 would further develop your analytical and consulting skills, preparing you for roles such as HR Business Partner, People Manager, or similar.

People Professional Level 5 (Apprenticeship)

CIPD Level 5 - Associate Diploma in People Management

When you start an apprenticeship with us, there’s no need to worry about the cost—apprenticeship fees and funding are covered by your employer, not you. This means you can focus fully on gaining valuable skills and experience without any financial burden.

For more information on apprenticeship funding/costs and any government support available, please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01254 292500 or apprenticeships@blackburn.ac.uk