Primary Care Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn, learn and make a difference. For primary and social care employers, it is an effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce for both new and existing employees in both clinical and non-clinical roles, from entry level up to degree level apprenticeships.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is on the job training leading to a national qualification, available for both new and existing staff. Anyone over the age of 16, who is not in full time education, can apply to be an apprentice. There are different levels of apprenticeships with the most common levels undertaken in GP surgeries being intermediate (level 2) and advanced (level 3) apprenticeships. General practice support staff apprenticeships typically run from 12 to 24 months. All apprenticeships include assessment of practical skills, functional skills (numeracy, literacy and IT) and a technical certificate (theory/knowledge).
Specifically, HEE has been mandated to contribute to the development of apprenticeship standards in health, and is currently working with colleagues at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Skills for Health, as well as Trailblazer Chairs to make sure there are a wide range of standards from levels 2-7 available for employers and students to use.
There are 4 levels of apprenticeships
There are 4 levels of apprenticeship standards. Apprenticeship standards outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) required to carry out a certain job role.
Below are apprenticeship standards relevant to primary care with a link to offer detail of each standard
Intermediate level apprentices follow work-based learning towards level 2 – equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C). These apprenticeships provide the skills needed for the chosen career and allow entry to an advanced level apprenticeship. Apprenticeships at level 2 include:
Advanced level apprentices follow work-based learning towards level 3 – equivalent to 2 A-levels. To start this level of apprenticeship, you should ideally have 5 GCSEs (grade 4/C or above) or have completed an intermediate level apprenticeship. Apprenticeships at level 3 include:
Higher level apprentices follow work-based learning towards levels 4,5,6 and 7 – equivalent to a foundation degree and above. To start this level of apprenticeship, you should ideally have 2 A-levels (or equivalent) or have completed an advanced level apprenticeship. Apprenticeships at level 4,5,6 and 7 include:
Degree level apprenticeships follow work-based learning towards levels 6 and 7 – equivalent to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree. Apprenticeships at level 6 and 7 include:
Find out about Apprenticeship funding
Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking Service will facilitate funding transfers to create more apprenticeship opportunities
https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice offers detailed information and guidance on hiring an apprentice.
https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/toolkit/ offers an Apprenticeship implementation toolkit, which is designed to support you through the whole process from setting your organisational strategy through to when your apprentices are with you in the workplace.
https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020.07.08-Apprenticeships-in-Primary-Care-v3.pdf Apprenticeships in Primary and Social Care Information pack published by the HEE Talent for Care Strategy
https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/news/functional-skills-learning-access-funded-by-hee/ Access for the BKSB Functional Skills learning, for 1 year. This does not include the examination.
NHS AEB Employer Overview Development opportunities through the Adult Education Budget (AEB)