Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can attract new talent to general practice, improve diversity and address skill gaps. They provide a vehicle to develop and upskill both new and current staff. They also simplify career progression by providing clear career pathways.
As a result, apprenticeships help to strengthen a workforce that is fit for the future.
What are apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship is ‘on the job training’ and consolidates practical and technical skills. Apprenticeships typically include work-based experience and training at a general practice with education provided by an external training provider.
Apprentices must be:
- aged 16 and over who is not in full time education
- paid at least the minimum wage
- employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week
Apprenticeship qualifications range from levels 2-7, which is the equivalent of GCSE to master’s degree level.
Apprenticeship roles in primary care
There are a wide range of clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships available in primary care, such as:
- Clinical: nursing, e.g. Nursing Associate (link to Nursing Associate apprenticeship section of ‘careers’ page), advanced clinical practice
- Non-clinical: communications, customer service, business administration, facilities management, finance, IT