What is an Apprenticeship?
There are different levels of apprenticeship from intermediate (level 2); advanced (level 3); to higher (level 4, 5) and degree levels (level 6, 7). Level 2 is usually 12 – 18 months; Level 3 is usually 18 – 48 months and Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 are usually 24+ months in length.
Typically, for someone in full time employment, an apprenticeship would entail 80% normal work and 20% ‘off the job’ training. In other words, 4 days at work and 1 day training.
Anyone over the age of 16, who is not in full time education, can apply to be an apprentice, but anyone can start an apprenticeship at any point in their life, whatever their age, background, or career level.
Apprenticeships enable employers to select the most relevant apprenticeship for the requirements of the job role, therefore providing a clearly defined progression pathway. Once they’ve reached the end of the apprenticeship programme, another organisation called the End Point Assessment organisation will assess the apprentice, using two tests, and provide a final grade.
You can read more about this here.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships help instill a culture of learning, improvement and reflection throughout the organisation. Skills are increased, as numbers trained and qualified in their roles increases.
All staff are able to identify possible development opportunities, relevant to their role and therefore enhance their well-being and career opportunities. Staff retention is therefore improved, as staff feel valued and respected.
A high-quality workforce, which contributes to the organisation’s priorities, the vision, three core principles and five core values of the NHS long term plan and CQC requirements.
Funding
Funding of apprenticeships is via the Apprenticeship Levy and the funding rules are regularly updated, so for the most up-to-date information visit the Gov.uk website.
Further Resources
Skills for Health regularly updates their website with apprenticeship details as well as training providers. Visit the Skills for Health website here. They have also produced a new information pack for the Senior Health Care Support Worker Apprenticeship.
If you would like to know how apprenticeships could benefit your specific organisation, please send us an email.
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