Level 3 Apprenticeship - Learning & Development Practitioner

Who is the programme aimed at?

This apprenticeship is most appropriate for those in a practical role with a focus on one or more aspects of the training cycle, for example, design and delivery of learning or identification of learning needs. They work with organisational stakeholders and frequently have an area of expertise in which they have specialist knowledge and skills, such as sales, customer service or data processing. Often L&D Practitioners may focus on a particular type of learning – perhaps e-learning, blended learning or face to face delivery. Their role is to support the achievement of business objectives and improve performance at all levels.

How will the programme be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme differs though from completing a standalone traditional professional qualification – for example, apprentices who haven’t already achieved Grade 2 in maths and English will study these subjects. We will develop an individual learning plan (ILP) for each apprentice, with input from the employer. The ILP will also include work-based activities and regular meetings with a skills-assessor and the apprentice’s line manager, to review progress and ensure that the apprentice is on target for completion.

Having an ILP in place means that each apprenticeship programme is based on individual and organisational need, however the details given below provide an overview of what is involved:

Introduction to the apprenticeship

• Following learning needs analysis and diagnostics an individual learning plan for the programme is developed
• The apprentice and line manager receive an induction to the apprenticeship programme

On programme

• Knowledge and skills elements of the programme can be delivered by a choice of:
  • workshops two to three days each month including some self-managed study time, usually in Doncaster at our training centre near the airport.
  • (Or) workshops delivered at your own organisation (where you have 4 or more apprentices).
  • (Or) One-to-one coaching with a tutor (CIPD Foundation Certificate only).
• Depending on individual needs of the apprentice, learning modules include:
  • The effective L&D practitioner
  • L&D and the organisation
  • Identifying learning and development needs
  • Design and delivery of learning and development
  • Evaluating learning and development
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Assessing learning and development
• Apprentices work on assignments and work-related projects in-between workshops.
• A record of continuing professional development (Learning Journal) is maintained to support the development of skills and the application of learning within the workplace, in addition to providing evidence that the apprentice has met the requirements of the apprenticeship standard and forms part of the end-point assessment activity.
• Review meetings held every three months with the skills-assessor, line manager and apprentice. 
• On-programme assessment to monitor progress and readiness for end-point assessment.
• Development of maths and English through our online learning platform, with the support of the skills-assessor.

End-Point Assessment

End-point assessment (EPA) takes place after the apprentice has completed all elements of learning on the programme and is undertaken by an independent end-point assessment organisation. EPA consists of final activities to establish if the apprentice can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard and is competent in their role. The fees for EPA come out of your digital account.

The Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner apprenticeship end-point assessment activities consist of a work-based project with a professional discussion, and a presentation followed by question/answer session based on the CPD record (Learning Journal). As the training provider, our tutors and skills-assessors are not able to participate in the EPA activities, however we will support the apprentice and employer by:

• Providing information to help you decide which EPAO you wish to use.
• Agreeing the scope of the work-based project with yourselves and the EPA.
• Supporting apprentices in building the Learning Journal.
• Providing support to apprentices to confidently prepare for the professional discussion, presentation and question and answer activities.

20% Off-The-Job Learning

All apprentices must be allowed to spend 20% of their contracted hours on off the job learning whilst completing their apprenticeship. We will help employers to identify how this time will be spent, generally a combination of attendance at workshops or coaching sessions, workplace learning and other learning activities either within or outside the organisation.

How long will the apprenticeship programme last?

The programme will last round about 24 months, with several starting points throughout the year.

Funding for the apprenticeship

Employers can access their apprenticeship levy digital account to fund this apprenticeship. 

We can give an exact price once we identify the apprentice’s needs and any prior learning they may have. The maximum fee is usually £6000, which includes the fee charged by the End Point Assessment Organisation.

On completion of this apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will become a Foundation member of the CIPD if they successfully complete their apprenticeship end point assessment, choosing the CIPD as their End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

All apprentices successfully completing are invited along to our annual Celebration of Achievement graduation event; the perfect way to celebrate their hard work and success.

What about progressing further?

Following successful completion of the Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner Apprenticeship, the next step on the career pathway of an L&D professional is to move onto the Level 5 Apprenticeship – Learning and Development Consultant/Business Partner, studying for the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development.