The Centre for Lifelong Learning has developed a Higher Apprenticeship Career Development Professional (incorporating the PG Cert Career Development Work) in response to sectoral need, and in close consultation with a range of employers and professional associations.

During the two year programme, 20% of the employee's normal working hours must be used for off-the-job training, e.g. on campus, at work but learning, in a virtual classroom, working on a project; 80% on the job learning. This ensures the employee will have the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to fulfil the job requirements.

This Higher Apprenticeship has been collaboratively designed by the University of Warwick and a range of employers and professional bodies to meet the requirements of the relevant higher apprenticeship standard. The university has a long history of providing high-level courses relating to career development and coaching; and we have developed considerable expertise in delivering a high-quality teaching and learning experience for those who are either currently working in, or wish to enter, career development and coaching roles. In addition, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has unparalleled experience of working with adult and non-traditional learners and has a dedicated student support team.

As an employer, the funding for the course will be paid via the government apprenticeship levy, creating an opportunity to develop your current team and encourage new people into the profession.

• Applicants will be expected to be employed in a relevant role – please consult with the course team first if you are unsure as to what this can include (contact information below).
• They will be expected to meet the University’s standard degree requirements for level 7 (2:2 or above) and present with level 2 English and Maths.
• Applicants presenting without the standard 2:2 will be required to provide alternative evidence of their ability to succeed at level 7 study through a pre-entry assessment process consisting of written work and an interview. Further support will be provided.
• Applicants without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
• On successful attainment of the standard, apprentices will be offered progression to existing PGD/MA CEIGHE/CDCS provision for career development professionals offered by CLL.

The Higher Apprenticeship Career Development Professional combines academic study with its application in a work-based practice setting, to enable apprentices to optimise their learning and demonstrate all the evidence needed to meet vocational and academic standards (knowledge, skills, and behaviours). This is often referred to as off-the-job and on-the-job training, where you will attend University on three block release periods, each lasting for one week, together with guided self-study; and then on the job with your employer.

You will be supported by a University Apprenticeship Tutor, your line manager, and other appropriate mentors, who will meet with you regularly to identify your learning objectives and evaluate progress. Your learning will also be supported by a virtual learning environment (VLE) that is accessible 24/7. This allows you to catch up with any sessions missed through short-term absence including illness or annual leave and to extend and reinforce your learning in a flexible way.

The Higher Apprenticeship Career Development Professional takes 24 months (18 months to complete the taught PGCert, and then 6 months completing the End Point Assessment). Alongside the work-based training and development (which is 80% of the programme), employees will spend the remaining 20% on the PGCert. This may include taught sessions on campus as part of a block release, together with extensive online materials available through our virtual learning environment.

The PG Certificate consists of

Module 1: Foundations of Professional Practice in Career Development Work
Module 2: Working with Clients to Support Career Development Learning

To register your interest in this programme please provide your details on this form.

You can also contact course lead Lynne CampbellLink opens in a new window if you have questions about the programme.