Your introduction to CIPD training with Home Learning College 1
Introduction Thank you for considering Home Learning College for your CIPD qualification studies. We would like to lead you through our learning experience. In this guide you will learn more about: A career in Human Resources (HR) Why the CIPD qualification is important Our CIPD courses To get the most from your learning experience, it is important to consider your unique situation. We encourage you to take advantage of a conversation with one of our experienced Course Advisors to help you in making your decision. It is worth considering: 1. How will CIPD qualification help you in your current or future role? 2. What outcome is important to you? 3. How will online learning fit around your current commitments? 4. Which costs and payment options are available to you? 5. Any other questions and concerns you may have. The Home Learning College difference The benefits of studying online The enrolment process To find out more, talk to one of our expert Course Advisors free on 020 7173 5676 We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. www.homelearningcollege.com 2
Is a career in Human Resources for me? If you enjoy working with people and have a strong interest in business, a career in HR means no compromise. Human Resource (HR) officers look after the people within a business and ensure productivity is at the highest level it can be. A job in HR can make for an exciting and rewarding career, offering: A well defined career path On-the-job training An excellent starting salary A high earning potential Job stability The ability to work in any industry The opportunity to specialise in several areas What skills do I need? To become a successful HR professional you will need to have excellent communication skills, a strong interest in business, a friendly-but-firm approach and the right qualification. Most employers will require you to hold a minimum Level 3 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The successful HR professional: Honest and reliable Excellent communication skills The confidence to work with personnel from all levels Tact and the ability to deal with difficult situations Organised Business-minded Good budgeting and IT skills What would I be doing? Typical Hours: 30-40 per week Salary: 19,000-50,000 Work Environment: Office To find out more, talk to one of our expert Course Advisors free on 020 7173 5676 We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. www.homelearningcollege.com Entry Requirements: A minimum of 5 GCSEs A-C 3
As a HR professional it is your job to ensure your organisation employs the right people for the right job, and to make sure they perform effectively, adhering to employment law. Depending on which area it is that you choose to specialise, the work you do as an HR professional could involve: Developing HR policies and procedures Promoting equality, and health and safety Aligning business performance with staff requirements Advising on matters like pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law Making sure staff have the right pay and benefits Keeping employee records Writing staff handbooks Providing staff training and development Dealing with complaints and discipline procedures Arranging staff services such as welfare and counselling Working with other managers to plan future staff needs Hiring staff advertising and interviewing. Where could I go? As a CIPD qualified HR professional there are many opportunities available: you could be working for any type of business in any sector, from a major high street retailer to a government body or hospital. With experience, you could move into a management or Senior HR role and specialise in the area of that interests you most, such as Learning and Development (L&D). What you could be earning at each stage of your career Relevant Qualifications Position Salary Expectations CIPD Foundation Certificate Human Resources Assistant 23,000* CIPD Foundation Certificate Human Resources Administrator 25,000* CIPD Intermediate Certificate Human Resources Advisor 37,500* CIPD Intermediate Certificate Human Resources Analyst 37,500* CIPD Intermediate Certificate Human Resources Manager 47,500* CIPD Advanced Diploma Human Resource Director 62,500* *Source: TotalJobs salary checker Jan 2015 4
Why CIPD qualification is important There is a high demand for qualified HR professionals; people skilled in the correct procedures, up-to-date with the latest legislation and on board with the best training and development procedures. We have built a strong link with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) to ensure that our courses are built around what employers need and fulfil CIPD s demanding standards. Independent research reveals that individuals with [CIPD] qualifications stand to earn an additional 81,000 over a lifetime. CCPMO Economic Impact Report, December 2008 The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the professional body for those involved in the management and development of people. CIPD is the world s largest Chartered HR and development professional body, with over 135,000 members across 120 countries. CIPD qualifications are highly valued by employers, providing an internationally recognised study path for a career in Human Resources, Learning and Development (L&D) and other specialisms. Membership with the CIPD demonstrates a commitment to high standards of professionalism so it s no surprised that each year over 12,000 professionals train in CIPD qualifications. Our HR courses form part of the CIPD pathway, enabling you to apply for professional Associate membership. 5
Our CIPD courses CIPD qualifications are awarded at three levels; Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, teaching you the skills and knowledge required for every stage of your professional career, whether you are working in the UK or internationally. We offer courses at Foundation and Intermediate level: CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Human Resource Practice If you are looking to enter the profession from scratch, our entry-level Foundation course will enhance your knowledge of the latest theory, case studies and provide insights into HR best practice, helping you secure your first role in Human Resources. CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Certificate in Human Resource Management If you are already working in the HR profession, our Intermediate Certificate will help you to develop your ability to support sustainable business success and manage employees in the work place, helping you expand your skills and make the move into a managerial role in Human Resources. CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management By studying and successfully achieving a CIPD Level 7 Advanced qualification, you are demonstrating that you have the skills and drive to maximise your contribution to overall business performance and are committed to achieving the highest standard of professionalism in your career. Beth Motts-Hammond Home Learning College student 6
Course snapshot Course Level Equivalent to Course duration Workshop sessions Study Units Tutor Marked Assessments Guided Learning Hours (approximate) Membership level Foundation Certificate in Human Resource Practice 3 A-Level 9 month course Two Six Six 180 Associate membership Intermediate Certificate in Human Resource Management 5 Undergraduate degree 12 month course Three Seven Seven 240 Associate membership Advanced Diploma In Human Resource Management 7 Post Graduate degree 24 month course Nine Eight Four 600 Chartered Membership Need help deciding which course to choose? Whether you begin at the Foundation or Intermediate level depends both on your previous experience and your professional goals. If you are unsure what level you are at or need help deciding how far to take your studies, our experienced Course Advisors will help you identify your skills and areas for development, and choose the course most suited to you. They can be contacted free on 020 7173 5676 between 9am- 8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. Course structure Our CIPD courses are taught via a blended learning approach of online and classroom, allowing you to study whenever and wherever you want, while benefiting from a structured learning framework - giving you the perfect balance of flexibility and support. You will progress as part of a cohort group: working to a structured timetable, completing collaborative learning activities, attending live online classes and meeting your tutor and fellow students during your face-to-face workshop sessions. Workshop sessions Workshop sessions are held at set points through the course, in both London and Birmingham to give you the choice of location that suits you best.* These face-toface workshops will give you the chance to put your learning into practice, liaise with your tutor directly, and interact with fellow students. They also form an important part of the assessment of the course, contributing to your final grade and giving you the opportunity to demonstrate practical ability alongside knowledge and skill. *All three workshops for the course are mandatory and will be held on set dates which will be given to you before you enrol. Cost of accommodation and travel is not included. The idea of studying by distance learning really appealed to me. Having requested information, I chatted with a Course Advisor and I felt I was making the right choice of training provider. Richard Osiemo 7
The Home Learning College difference get qualified, get further Home Learning College is the largest online provider of professional qualifications in the UK. We know that most of our students have other commitments, so we offer a revolutionary approach to learning that fits around them. Our students come first and we take pride in delivering the very best learning experience we can. Here are some of the many reasons our students choose to study with us: 100% assignment pass rate* We are proud to have upheld pass rate of 100% for all assignments submitted since we first began teaching CIPD 9 in 10 students would recommend us to a friend for CIPD training.** Grade 1 Ofsted tutors Our tutors have achieved the highest grade attainable from the Ofsted, and have 55 years of industry experience between them Regular live online classes Our online interactive classes are delivered using the latest technology meaning you can ask questions as you go along. They are also recorded so you can catch up if you miss them *Assignment pass rate taken from period March 2013 December 2013 ** As shown from results from our August 2013 student survey 8 REASONS to study by distance learning with Home Learning College Highest quality course materials Our course books are written by high-profile industry experts, endorsed by the CIPD CIPD accredited training provider We have an excellent relationship with the CIPD awarding body, ensuring we deliver the most up to date content, and that our courses meet their demanding standards No hidden costs Our course package includes all course materials, live interactive classes and faceto-face workshop sessions Flexible payment options We make study affordable and work with you to find a payment plan that suits you - with 12, 18 & 24 month instalment plans*** ***Any Credit Agreement you enter into will be governed by Oakbrook Finances Terms and Conditions, as provided to you by Oakbrook. We have set out to offer the best online HR courses available but our students are the best qualified to judge. The course material went above and beyond and I was able to study at my own pace, which helped me achieve the grade I wanted. Wathsala Chathurangi Watch their feedback With a 5 month old son, the only option for me was to study from home. With Home Learning College, it was simple. You ve got online support, can speak with other students for advice or help and the tutors are extremely helpful. I m so proud to be a qualified Accountant. I feel confident about my future now. Home Learning College opened so many doors for me. Kalina Georgieva 8
Learning online and on your own terms Today many professionals choose to study online over a classroom alternative. They want the flexibility of online learning without sacrificing the support of a personal tutor. At Home Learning College, we have structured our courses to offer the best of both worlds so you can: Fit your studies around work and family life Get ongoing support from a personally assigned tutor Study from home or away Login to your coursework online and start on your assignments as soon as you are ready. Talk with your tutor via email, over the phone or via the Virtual Learning Campus (VLC). Access your study materials from wherever you are. Continue to earn while you learn Connect with fellow students who are in the same position Put your learning into practice as you continue to work and progress through the course. Interact in our forums, share work or even find a study buddy that can work along with you. 9
Virtual Learning Campus (VLC) Your Virtual Learning Campus (VLC) You are able to access everything you need for your course in one place, via our Virtual Learning Campus (VLC), including all your course materials, ebooks, live online classes, video recordings, assignment submission and a wealth of other helpful resources. You will be able to interact with other students using the student forums and download useful guides and other resources when you need them. With the VLC you will never feel alone in your studies. Practice tests Course material Live classes Assignment submission I could finish an assignment at 1:00 a.m. and submit it immediately, rather than having to wait for normal working hours. The flexibility of this form of study really suited me. It allowed me to fit the course around the rest of my busy life. Karishma McDonald ebooks Videos 10
Get all the support you need Linda Powell Home Learning College Head of Learning: HR and Development When you enrol, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main point of contact during your course; available via phone, email or on the VLC. This person will be experienced in the industry and dedicated to your success on the course. All our CIPD tutors are Grade 1 Ofsted level: the highest grade attainable. When you submit assignments for your course, your tutor will be able to access your submission via the VLC and will aim to mark your assignment within seven days. Linda Powell is the Lead CIPD Tutor at Home Learning College. She has a very strong HR background, with 5 years experience as curriculum leader and principal lecturer for CIPD courses at level 3 and level 5, as well as experience teaching leadership and management up to level 5; both within a large FE College. She also has 15 years of HR industry experience. Linda s responsibilities include customising learning plans and providing comprehensive welcome guides for new students. She also frequently checks her emails and phone messages, responding to emails within 24 hours but more often a turnaround of less than two hours is achieved. Phone calls are used when a more personal and supportive touch is required. For me it s the style of teaching that I find particularly rewarding as it gives students an opportunity they otherwise might not have had. These students are evidently very self-motivated and the course is designed to give them everything they need to succeed. 11
Live online classes Learning online does not mean having to sacrifice the benefits you would get with classroom learning. Online classes consolidate what you have learnt from your own studies with face-to-face tuition and interaction with your fellow students. Your tutor will run regular classes covering the key topics of your course which you can join live or watch later via a recording if you miss them. If additional classes are required, your tutor will be able to schedule extra classes based on demand. Our live online classes allow you to learn face-to-face with your tutor as you would in a traditional classroom environment with interactive features, including a white board, chat-box and poll question feature. There are self-test questions for each lesson in the unit for you to complete as you go and check your progress. Example of a live online class Kyveli Charalampidou and Daniel Hargreaves Home Learning College students 12
Career development hub Kalina Georgieva Home Learning College student We know that virtually all of our students are studying to improve their career prospects so as well as a great course, we give you the tools to ensure you can make the most of your new qualification. The Career Development Hub is a private online careers portal accessible only by our students. It is a website accessible via the VLC that provides you with all the tools you need to progress with your professional career, including: ü ü Specialised CV builder Be fully prepared interview simulator allowing you to practise your interview skills Over 2,500 videos and advice articles from professionals Unique job search portal with over 250,000 jobs in the UK Psychometric and aptitude tests Weekly industry news updates. At the start of your course, you will be given the login details for your own personal account. 13
Are you ready to take the next step? Whether you know which level you want to do and are ready to get started right away, or you just want to have a chat with one of our experienced Course Advisors, all you need to do is give us a call free on 020 7173 5676. We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. What to expect from your conversation Our Course Advisors are all trained experts in professional study and are here to help you make the right choices for your career. They will run through your employment history, previous qualifications and interests and use what you tell them to help determine the path you should take. Call free on 020 7173 5676 To make the most of your information and to help you decide on your next steps, we recommend you consider the following questions: Where do you want to go in your career? What do you want to get out of the course? How soon would you like to get qualified? Do you have any questions about online learning? Have you thought about payment options? Or visit us www.homelearningcollege.com We are here to help with expert advice and information, so you can take the next step towards a better career. 14