To meet the challenges of an ever-changing primary care sector, apprenticeships are considered a crucial tool for developing a skilled and resilient primary care workforce. As the demands on your services continue to grow, the need for well-trained professionals, who are able to adapt to and overcome new challenges, has never been more important. Apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on approach to training, not only benefitting the primary care system but will also providing valuable career opportunities.
So...What is an Apprenticeship?
Many people think Apprenticeships are only for young people, but that's not the case. Almost any employee (new or existing) can become an Apprentice to upskill and further their career within the Practice by gaining a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are NOT just for school leavers; anyone can be an Apprentice from +16yrs. There is no age limit! Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7 (degree level) so for those in a more senior role such as Practice Manager, they can act as “well-respected” role model when achieving an Apprenticeship!
So...Why should your Practice consider Apprenticeships?
- Address Workforce Shortages- The most significant advantage of apprenticeships, an Apprenticeship offers an alternative to traditional academic routes. Combining on-the-job training with education will develop practical skills and experience, filling immediate staffing gaps and ensuring a steady flow of skilled professionals.
- Real-World Experience- Apprenticeships will provide your staff with real-world experience, a hands-on approach allowing a deeper understanding of patient service. Apprenticeships will immerse your team in the day-to-day realities of primary care, invaluable in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Flexibility and Inclusivity– Opportunities to upskill your team. Apprenticeships are tailored to meet the specific needs of roles, making this flexibility an attractive option, helping to create a more inclusive and representative workforce.
- Funding - The majority of apprenticeships training costs are paid for by the Government. In some cases the Government will pay 95% of the apprentice training costs.
- Building a Future-Ready Workforce– The primary care sector needs a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and prepared for challenges.
The Labour Party have launched an ambitious new Skills Policy and NHS England aim to triple the number of apprentices in the NHS by 2030. Due to these plans, Insight have teamed up with Well Training to, once again, be able to offer practices the ability to recruit apprentices. Whether you are looking to train existing staff or employ new apprentices, we can help. We have had enormous success working with practices in the past and have many good news stories about apprentices we helped place in practices who have now been promoted or have gone on to secure another fabulous position in the NHS. General Practice can offer such a diverse experience, it is a fabulous start or addition to someone career experience.