Apprenticeships

Have you thought about completing an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are for any age and are the opportunity to 'earn while you learn' whether you are just starting out or looking to progress in your career.

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers:

Intermediate apprenticeships - follow work-based learning towards level 2

Advanced apprenticeship - follow work-based learning towards level 3

Higher apprenticeships - follow work-based learning towards levels 4,5,6 & 7 – equivalent to a foundation degree and above

Degree apprenticeships - follow work-based learning towards levels 6 & 7 – equivalent to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree

Employers also run ‘in-house’, on the job training to gain qualifications and there are university courses too.

When you're an apprentice:

  • you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider

  • you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation

  • you’re on a career path - with lots of future potential for you

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There are a variety of apprenticeships on offer in health and social care, these include;

Apprenticeship offers

Career
Allied Health Professions (AHPs)
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Allied Health Professions (AHPs)

This integrated degree apprenticeship is a three/four year course requiring a combination of day release (approximately one day a week) and clinical placements (between six and eight weeks long). Employers and tutors work in close partnership to develop apprentices’ skills and expertise in all core areas of physiotherapy.  At the end of the course, apprentices who successfully pass all modules and the End Point Assessment (EPA) will receive a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree and will be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Entry Criteria

• Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

• English and Maths at Level 2. For example: GCSE grade A-C/4-9, or a Level 2 Functional Skill in English and Maths, or Level 2 Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy.

• 115 UCAS Points: Level 3 qualification with a natural science focus - A Levels/BTEC/Access to HE/apprenticeship with science as main focus.

• Prior learning and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

• Recent academic study (within the past 5 years)

• Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

• 3-4 Years

Occupational therapy is about being able to do the things you want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges learning at school, going to work, playing sport or simply doing the dishes. Everything is focused on your wellbeing and your ability to participate in activities. This programme integrates academic study with practice-based learning across all years of study. You will be required to attend university once per week accept when you are on block placement. Drawing on an enquiry-based approach, learning is designed around scenarios involving individuals, carers, families, groups and communities from birth to end of life. It recognises the diversity of occupational therapy practice and embraces a commitment to produce practitioners who are cognisant of health and social disparities and promotes an inclusive and participatory society. The programme affords learners the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies for eligibility to apply for registration as Occupational Therapists with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to become members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

Entry Criteria

• Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

• 5 x GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science. Higher qualifications will be considered.

• 104 UCAS Points: Level 3 qualification

A Levels BCC      BTEC DMM – DDM     Access to HE (12 credits at D, 18 credits at M)

**Prior learning and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

• Recent academic study (within the past 5 years)

• Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

• 3 Years

This programme will support you through a combination of theory-based lectures, practical workshops, e-learning and clinical placements. The RCSLT pre-registration Eating, Drinking & Swallowing (EDS) competencies are embedded into the teaching and placement curriculum. Across your academic programme you will have an opportunity to achieve EDS knowledge and practical competencies in a variety of settings. You will attend university twice per week and be supporting your substantive team for the remainder of your time, accept when you are on a block practice placement, where you will be required to complete full 37.5-hour weeks.

Entry Criteria

  • Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

  • Relevant foundation degree or equivalent level 5 qualification (e.g. Associate practitioner level 5).

  • English and Maths at Level 2. For example: GCSE grade A-C/4-9, or a Level 2 Functional Skill in English and Maths, or Level 2 Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy.

  • Prior learning and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Recent academic study (within the past 5 years)

  • Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

  • 2 Years

Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) are registered Allied Health Professionals (AHP) that are specifically trained and work within the Operating Department and associated areas. Working alongside other professionals, such as nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists and health care support workers, care will be delivered to patients during all three phases of this acute care environment. This programme will provide the key knowledge and skills to achieve what is both required and expected within the contemporary healthcare setting through both classroom based teaching and clinical placement throughout the duration of study. Various approaches to teaching and learning will be used, including simulation, lectures, seminars, group activities and student-centred approaches. 

Entry Criteria

  • Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

  • Level 2 in English & Maths (GCSE C/4 or above or Functional Skills)

  • Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

  • 3 Years

Podiatrists study the structure and function of the whole body and specialise in the foot, ankle and lower limb. On graduating with a degree in podiatry,  you will be a qualified healthcare professional making your own clinical decisions. You will be ready to work alone or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of problems affecting the lower limb.

The University of East London apprenticeship courses mirrors the relevant undergraduate full-time degree. As an apprentice, you will spend a minimum of 20 per cent of your time doing 'off the job' training. This means that you will spend time on day release at UEL where you will attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes. The rest of your time you will spend working for your employer, integrating and assimilating what you have learnt at University. Your programme will run across four years and includes periods of assessed clinical practice.

Entry Criteria

  • Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

  • English and Maths at Level 2. For example: GCSE grade A-C/4-9, or a Level 2 Functional Skill in English and Maths

  • Level 3 Qualifications

  • Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 45 credits at Level 3 – 24 credits at Distinction to include Biology and or Chemistry

  • A levels: 120 UCAS points including passes at A2 in at least three subjects minimum Grade BBB (AS Levels not accepted) and must include Biology or Chemistry.

  • Alternatively, a single A level in a biological science taken as mature student, grade B. Prior learning and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Recent academic study (within the past 5 years) desirable

  • Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

  • 3 Years

Career
Healthcare Science
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Career
Nursing
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Nursing

Throughout this pre-registration course you’ll develop critical, analytical and reflective skills that allow you to make sound judgements and evidence-based care. Half the course will be spent at the University, where you’ll learn the theoretical foundations of nursing. The other half will be spent in a variety of clinical settings, developing your hands-on skills.

This integration of theory and practice will ensure you become a skilled, competent, compassionate and committed adult nurse.

Entry Criteria

  • Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship.

  • 112-120 UCAS points: A Levels, BTEC Dip/Cert - Health and Social Care, Access to HE - Nursing

  • English and Maths at Level 2. For example: GCSE grade A-C/4-9, or a Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

  • Right to remain and work in the UK

Length of course

  • 3 Years

Nursing Associates will have the ability to provide quality patient care to people of all ages in a wide variety of health and social care settings. This apprenticeship will teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a safe, accountable and proficient nursing associate. From technical skills like taking blood pressure and an ECG to learning how to effectively communicate with patients, families and carers. You’ll learn how to prioritise and manage your own case load to meet patient’s needs safely and effectively. Every step of the way, you’ll benefit from constructive professional feedback. By learning how to evaluate your own delivery of care, you’ll become an extremely knowledgeable, reflective and self-aware practitioner. 

Nursing Associates are expected to attend University one day per week for 45 weeks of the year, and they also have three six-eight week placement blocks during the academic year.

Entry Criteria

  • Working a minimum of 30 hours p/w in a support worker role relevant to chosen apprenticeship for at least 2 years.

  • GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 (or a Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths)

  • Right to remain and work in the UK for the length of the course

Length of course

  • 2 Years

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Student Nurse Associate Apprenticeship
The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is a two year programme leading to a Level 5, foundation degree qualification and professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). • 18 years + • Ability to study and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme • Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths (not entry level 2) or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 or equivalent (Certificates and proof) • Relevant, recent experience working within healthcare is desirable but we will also consider candidates who have experience in customer facing roles • Will consider school leavers who can demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare, particularly those studying Health and Social Care or higher level science. • Essential induction training and experience completion of care certificate or equivalent
Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship is a BSc (Hons) level 6 qualifications designed to be clinically relevant and reflect nursing practice such as assessment of care needs, care planning, health promotion, physical assessment skills and reflection. • Aged 18 Year + • Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths (not entry level 2) or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 or equivalent • 112 UCAS tariff points, equivalent to A-level grades- BBC or a BTEC-DMM (Potential movement on the above grades) • Will consider school leavers who can demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare, particularly those studying Health and Social Care or higher level science. • Relevant, recent experience working within healthcare is desirable but we will also consider candidates who have experience in customer facing roles • Ability to study and commit to completing the 4 year Degree programme
NHS Leadership Academy Graduate Management Training Scheme
* Do you already have degree level qualification? * Interested in a fast track route into Healthcare Management? Joining the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme gives you every opportunity to have a far-reaching and positive impact on the health of the nation – even while you’re training to * a 2:2 degree minimum in any subject (some degree equivalents are also acceptable) * Degree level equivalent qualifications that are health or management related, such as: NVQ Level 5 in Management, Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or Health Visiting (Dip HE Nursing) etc.

We will be adding more details to this page shortly but in the meantime you can find out more including how to search for and apply for an apprenticeship by visiting the Government apprenticeship website.

FAQs

No apprenticeships can be for any one of any age. You could be just starting out in your career, looking for a change in career or wanting to develop in your current role. It is a great way to earn whilst you learn.

You can become a registered nurse by completing a degree apprenticeship or by attending university and undertaking a nursing degree.

Case studies

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John explains how starting in the NHS as an apprentice has changed his life

The role of a Care Support Worker is often challenging but always interesting, exciting and satisfying.

Read more
case study image

Ian tells us how the nursing associate role has opened many doors for him

The Nursing Associate Programme is a bridge between a Health Care Assistant and Registered Nurse.

Read more

Resources

Careers in Health & Care

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Social care

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