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Human Resources Business Partner Apprenticeship

Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited · Plymouth · posted 14 October 2026

Wage
£24,249 a year
Hours
35 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Higher (Level 5)
Standard
Learning and development consultant business partner (level 5)
Starts
1 September 2027
Closing date
7 December 2026
Positions
2

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of people management and organisational activities while working towards a recognised professional qualification. You'll support a variety of HR activities, from analysing people data and preparing reports to advising on policies, supporting recruitment and onboarding, and contributing to employee engagement initiatives.

Throughout the programme, you'll work closely with HR professionals and stakeholders across the business, gaining insight into both operational and strategic HR. You'll contribute to projects such as workforce planning, organisational change, diversity and inclusion, talent and succession planning, wellbeing initiatives and process improvement activities. As your experience grows, you'll develop a strong understanding of how effective people practices support organisational performance and business success.

The programme is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a modern HR professional, including employment law, employee relations, business strategy, organisational development, talent management and evidence-based practice. You'll also build key professional skills such as stakeholder management, communication, influencing, coaching, data analysis, problem-solving and project delivery, while demonstrating behaviours including professionalism, ethical practice, collaboration, adaptability, inclusivity and continuous learning. Together, these experiences will provide a strong foundation for progression towards future HR Business Partner roles.

Your training

The apprenticeship is delivered through Avado Learning and leads to the Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management (CIPD) alongside completion of the People Professional apprenticeship standard.

Training includes:

  • Online learning through Avado's virtual learning platform
  • A blend of self-directed study, live workshops and coaching sessions
  • Dedicated study time during working hours through a day-release learning model
  • Time each week for structured learning and development activities, including workshops, project work, shadowing opportunities, networking and practical HR experiences that support your professional growth

You'll complete the CIPD Level 5 qualification during the first 10 months of the programme. The remainder of the apprenticeship focuses on applying your learning in practice, broadening your business partnering experience and continuing your professional development.

Regular progress reviews will be held with you, your line manager and your Avado coach to support your development and help you get the most from the programme.

Where it leads

Upon successful completion of the HR Business Partner Apprenticeship and CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, you will have developed the skills, knowledge and experience required to progress into a HR Advisor role within the HRBP Operations team, with an expected salary of over £28,000 and placement at Global Grade 9.

A tailored development plan will then be implemented to further strengthen your business partnering skills, commercial awareness and broader business acumen, providing the support and experience needed to progress into a Junior HR Business Partner role.

From there, your development doesn't stop. You'll have access to a range of career pathways across the HR profession, with opportunities to progress into a HR Business Partner role and beyond. Ongoing learning, development and practical experience will continue to support your career growth, enabling you to build expertise across multiple areas of HR and develop a rewarding long-term career within the profession.

About Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers’ key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.

Things to consider

You'll complete the CIPD Level 5 qualification during the first 10 months of the programme. The remainder of the apprenticeship focuses on applying your learning in practice, broadening your business partnering experience and continuing your professional development.

Regular progress reviews will be held with you, your line manager and your Avado coach to support your development and help you get the most from the programme.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsOrganisation skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalInitiative

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade C) — essential
  • GCSE Maths (grade C) — essential
  • GCSE Science (grade C) — essential

Where you'll work

  • Devonport Royal Dockyard, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 4SG

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