The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Skills CFA have officially launched a new Higher Apprenticeship in Human Resource Management.

CIPD worked in conjunction with Skills CFA, the business apprenticeships issuing authority, to develop the Higher Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to the second year of a degree.

The programme, launched at an event in central London on Wednesday 5 September, aims to provide the apprentice with a comprehensive understanding of the HR function, alongside practical experience of the workplace. Topics covered will include improving organisational performance, knowledge management, employment law and resource and talent planning.

Peter Cheese, chief executive, CIPD, said: “The CIPD is delighted to be formally launching the Higher Apprenticeship in Human Resource Management.

“The CIPD promotes apprenticeships as an effective means of employers recruiting and developing talent and so it was natural and appropriate for us to us to introduce an apprenticeship scheme for our own profession so that we can attract a more diverse array of talent to pursue careers in HR and business more generally.

“The Higher Apprenticeship in HR Management will allow organisations to expand their human resource function whilst attracting a talented pool of individuals who might not otherwise have considered the profession.”

Skills CFA chief executive, Jenny Hewell, said: “The engagement and participation of so many employers and the CIPD in the development and promotion of this higher apprenticeship is fantastic.

“I am confident that the launch of the apprenticeship in HR Management will, over time, have a major impact on the HR profession.”