Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are experienced clinicians who demonstrate expertise in their scope of practice. ACPs manage defined episodes of clinical care independently, from beginning to end, providing care and treatment from the time an individual first presents through to the end of the episode, which may include admission, referral or discharge or care at home. They carry out their full range of duties in relation to individuals’ physical and mental healthcare and in acute, primary, urgent and emergency settings (including hospitals, general practice, individuals’ homes, schools and prisons, and in the public, independent, private and charity sectors). They combine expert clinical skills with research, education and clinical leadership within their scope of practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners work innovatively on a one-to-one basis with individuals as well as part of a wider team.  

Visit our ACP webpage for more information on the role in Primary Care, plus further training, support and resources.  

 Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: typically 2 – 3 years  
• Course cost: £12,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£600) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Resources   

• Apprenticeship standard  
• Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) – Lancashire and South Cumbria Training Hub (lscthub.co.uk) 
• HASO ACP Information Pack 
• NHSE NW Faculty and Centre for Advancing Practice website

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further development via apprenticeship options could include; Coaching Professional, various Management/Leadership options. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options

There are many universities that provide this apprenticeship programme and most of them have been awarded as approved providers under the ACP HEE and NHS Salisbury Procurement. Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

There are 2 ways to apply for this apprenticeship, either via the NHSE ACP Funding Grant (when it is open) or outside of the funding window.  

1. Applying via NHSE ACP Funding Grant Offer:  

NHSE funding offer is announced once a year, usually early January. THE CURRENT FUNDING OFFER FOR STARTS BETWEEN SEP 2024 – March 2025 IS NOW CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS. 

1.1) Apply for NHSE ACP Funding: The North West Faculty for Advancing Practice has formally launched the Autumn 2024 – Spring 2025 funding request. The Faculty for Advancing Practice in the region will support the provision of multi professional of advanced practice education and workforce development which is consistent with the national definition of advanced clinical practice (ACP) contained in the Multi professional framework for Advancing Clinical Practice in England. Funding will be allocated to employers to address their population/service need and is not available for individual/s’ continual professional development. For full guidance on how to implement and fund advancing practice please access guide on this webpage.  

What should you do if you are interested in applying for funding: employers delivering NHS commissioned services please follow this link to complete the funding request form. Please note all expressions of interest must be submitted by Wednesday 14 February 2024.

1.2) If you are applying for an apprenticeship, please ALSO inform the Training Hub Apprenticeship Team by emailing [email protected] . This is so that we can provide you with additional instructions in relation to your apprenticeship application (particularly regarding tuition fee and applying for a levy transfer as this requires a separate application and is NOT provided to you as part of the NHSE ACP Funding application).

If you want to ensure you receive instructions for FUTURE ACP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES please email [email protected] and also [email protected] to be added to interest list. 

If you require any further information relating to the funding only, please contact: [email protected] . The training hub work with NHSE to support you with your applications, but you will need to apply via the NHSE additional funding application process.  

       2. Applying Outside of the Funding Window: 

The Training Hub can support Practices to access apprenticeships outside of the above offer. please complete the Training Hub Expression of Interest Form for tailored advice and options. 

HEE publications:

• An Introduction to AHP Apprenticeships
• A guide to implementing AHP Apprenticeships

AHP Apprenticeship Pathways – The AHP support workforce is vital in developing our future AHP workforce, and significant HEE investment has been made to support the innovation, growth, and development of the AHP support workforce in England. A national procurement process has now been completed, which was lead by HEE, to help highlight the profession routes available within the Senior Healthcare Support Worker (Level 3) apprenticeship and Assistant Practitioner (Level 5) apprenticeship programmes available nationally. This includes local providers such as  University of Bolton and UCLan.  Choosing to focus on a route early, particularly during the Assistant Practitioner programme, provides learners with more focussed knowledge and skills. Another great benefit is this may also reduce the time your employee then spends to complete an AHP apprenticeship (such as Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy).   Please contact the Training Hub Apprenticeship Team to discuss AHP apprenticeship pathways.

More information is also available via the HEE website. Information on the SHSW, Assistant Practitioner and certain AHP Apprenticeship programmes can be found in other sections of this webpage.

Use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Assistant Practitioners work as part of the wider health and social care team and have direct contact with patients, service users or clients providing high quality and compassionate care. Assistant Practitioners work at a level above that of Healthcare Support Workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health (e.g. anatomy and physiology). Assistant Practitioner is a job title applied to a very wide variety of roles that have been developed locally by employers to meet individual service need.  

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Specific routes: Some providers do offer profession specific routes (such as Nursing, IAPT, OT, Stroke/Neuro, Physio) which allow Employer and Learner to tailor learning to best meet employer needs 
• Duration: typically 2 years  
• Designed for: Healthcare Support Workers. Other roles and experience will be considered on an individual basis 
• Course cost: typically, £12,000. For non-levy paying employers* only 5% contribution required to be paid (£600) or potential for 100% levy transfer (£0).  

Resources

• Apprenticeship standard  
• HASO Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship Information Pack 
• University of Bolton AP Flyer Dec 2022
• UCLan AP Presentation

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Allied Health Professional route (various options e.g. Enhanced Clinical Practitioner/Physiotherapist/Dietitian/Occupational Therapist) or Nursing Top Up. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

There are various apprenticeships for Business and Customer Service roles. Below you will find examples of popular options for Primary Care in Lancashire and South Cumbria. If you are unsure which route best meets your needs, please contact the apprenticeship team. 

This HASO flyer shows some of the various apprenticeships available.  

Use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Training 2000 – Various Programmes 

• Training 2000 Admin and Management Apprenticeships Webinar (Nov 2021) presentation is accessible here (recording available on request). 

Damar Training – Business Admin (Level 3) with Optional Medical Terminology Level 2 

• Damar Business Administrator Presentation
• Damar Business Administrator Flyer
• Mediterm Medical Terminology Level 2

The broad purpose of this role is to work with a wide range of individuals and teams, to empower and engage them to enhance their professional performance. Coaching is a way of leading in a non-directive manner, helping people to learn through deep listening and reflective, open questions rather than instructing, giving advice or making suggestions. 

Coaching is a way of treating people, a way of thinking and a way of being, which is seen as vital to supporting individuals and organisations in ever-changing environments. The purpose of coaching is building the self-belief of others, regardless of the context, to be curious and self-aware, better equipping them to collaborate, innovate, deal with the increasing pace of change and get the best from increasingly diverse environments.  

Key Points about the Apprenticeship 

• Additional Benefits: BPP have linked with NHS Leadership Academy to offer BPP apprentices the NHS Mary Seacole programme at no additional cost (optional) 
• Duration: Typically 12 – 15 months  
• Designed for: ideal for health and care professionals (clinical and non-clinical) who are current, aspiring coaches or who provide one-to-one coaching in a professional environment. This could be a full-time coaching role, but more likely will be individuals coaching alongside their day job. 
• Course cost: Usually £5,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£250) contribution required to be paid, or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

 Resources

• Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Standard  
• BPP – Coaching Professional Brochure
• Coaching Professional Apprenticeship with Mary Seacole Programme FAQ’s

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Improvement Leader, Chartered Manager, Project Manager, Senior Leader, Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

This occupation is found in different organisations and is commissioned by a range of agencies, including local government, the NHS, and other funders such as voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Community Health and Wellbeing Workers are a rapidly expanding workforce supporting the increasing emphasis across government departments on improving the health of local people and communities by preventing poor health and tackling inequalities. Their work is informed by the wider social determinants of health, such as the social, cultural, political, economic, commercial and environmental factors that shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. The broad purpose of the occupation is to work in partnership with individuals and their communities to identify and address health and wellbeing needs, improve health, prevent ill-health, and reduce inequalities. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship  

• Duration: usually 12 months  
• Designed for: This apprenticeship will be suitable for those wanting to develop in to or within roles such as Care and Service Navigator/Care Co-ordinator, Social Prescribing Link Worker.   
• Course cost: usually £7,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£350) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0)  

Resources

• The HEE and NHS Salisbury National procurement for the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Apprenticeship is now complete as of early 2022. Please see the CHWW Employer Guide for information and provider options (those providers with January intakes likely have intakes throughout the year).

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options can be found here Pathways – HASO (skillsforhealth.org.uk).  Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Below are some examples of approved providers and programmes. 

• BPP, in collaboration with the NHS Leadership Academy, deliver various Data Apprenticeships. Please see document which has more details on these options and also upcoming webinars (the briefings) that you can attend to find out more about these. 
• Cambridge Spark, in collaboration with the NHS Leadership Academy, deliver various Data Apprenticeships. Visit their webpage for an overview in to these programmes.
• The Digital Technician Career Starter Apprenticeships Pack includes useful information and is a great resource if looking to recruit a young apprentice. 

Dental Apprenticeships

There are a variety of roles in the dental sector. The dental team includes roles such as dentists, dental nurses, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians. There are opportunities to progress into more specialist roles such as an orthodontic therapist. HASO has a variety of resources to highlight the apprenticeships available in this area. Click HERE to read more.

Dental Nurse (Level 3)

This occupation is found in healthcare under the profession of dentistry. Dental nurses work in a clinical environment that could be located in a NHS general dental practice, hospital, private dental practice, specialist dental practice, community dental service or military dental clinic. The clinical environment is called a dental surgery and consists of a dental chair, x-ray unit and various equipment and instruments required for dentistry. An apprentice will predominately work with a dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, clinical dental technician or orthodontic therapist within a surgery environment with patients attending throughout the day. 

Resources  

• Apprenticeship Standard 
• HASO’s Dental Apprenticeships Information Pack includes suitable apprenticeship options 
• A Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Information Pack which includes useful links, case studies, resources and more is available using this link 
• HEENW Dental Nurse apprenticeship Webinar Feb 2023 with Aspiration Training (the approved NW Training provider) slides
• Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Employer Guide

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Funding for Doctor Apprenticeship

A HEE funding package has been agreed for a pilot programme for up to 200 apprentices over the next 2 years. This will support healthcare employers to meet the costs of taking on apprentices, including staffing costs while apprentices are undertaking education and training.  Funding confirmed for first 200 apprentices to train as doctors | Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk) Further updates will be communicated soon.

Enhanced Clinical Practitioners (ECP) are qualified health and social care professionals who are working at an enhanced level of practice with specific knowledge and skills in a field of expertise. They manage a discrete aspect of a patient’s care within their current level of practice, which will be particular to a specific context, be it a client group, a skill set or an organisational context. This is in contrast to Advanced Clinical Practitioners who have developed their knowledge and skills to an advanced level of practice and would manage the whole episode of a patient’s clinical care, from the time they first present, through to the end of the episode. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: Typically 18 months .
• Designed for: There is no definitive list for Enhanced Practitioners, this apprenticeship is about the level of practice so is not limited to traditional boundaries of clinical specialisms 
• Course cost: Usually £7,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£350) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Resources

• Enhanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship standard  

• HASO’s National update August 2023: Please use this link to view updates. This includes guidance for employers, AHP contextualisation, the ECP procurement framework, and ECP for general practice nursing.

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Coaching Professional, Chartered Manager, Improvement Leader, Senior Leader, Senior People Professional. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

• The ECP HEE procurement has now been completed and training providers have been awarded. Most providers are out of our geography however some do/will offer online programmes. Please see the ECP employer guide for a summary of the specialisms they can and/or intend to develop. As this apprenticeship is new, the universities listed on this framework may not have courses ready to start immediately, they have however been awarded due to their quality and willingness to develop their ECP courses collaboratively with employers. We therefore recommend that employers use this framework to work collaboratively with universities to refine and co-design the content of the ECP apprenticeship to reflect their workforce needs. Should employers or systems require support they can contact their local HEE Relationship Manager ([email protected] cc [email protected]) for organisational and system wide information about how to embed the apprenticeship standard. 

• Enhanced Practice Apprenticeship for General Practice Nursing: HEE has recently supported the development of a new apprenticeship for Enhanced Clinical Practice. The apprenticeship can be used to train general practice nurses with some experience, it is for those ready for development in long-term condition management and non-medical prescribing. The apprenticeship will enable them to hold independent clinics.  Additionally, if supported by local need and demand, other modules could be provided, such as mental health, women’s health or minor injuries. HEE envisage this course to have some core modules such as non-medical prescribing, Clinical Leadership and Research in Health, as well as a picking list of modules for specific clinical skills relevant to your practice, such as Diabetes Management, Respiratory Diseases, Minor Illnesses or Sexual Health. The length of the apprenticeship would be 12-18 months depending on modules selected. HEE will be running a mini competition for prospective Higher Education Institutes to ensure that the course they will offer to general practice nurses is fit for purpose. We would be grateful if you could answer the following questions about what, as an employer, you would want to see in a course for your mid-career general practice nurses.  Complete the survey here – https://forms.office.com/r/6C9v0MSkAT

Resources

• This HASO flyer shows some of the various apprenticeship standards and pathways available for HR and OD/L&D. 

Course Options: Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

There are various apprenticeships that focus on leadership, management and project management. Below you will find examples of popular options for Primary Care in Lancashire and South Cumbria. If you are unsure which route best meets your needs, please contact the apprenticeship team. 

Use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for more details and options of courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Team Leader (Level 3)

A Team leader or supervisor is a first line management role, with operational and project responsibilities or responsibility for managing a team to deliver a clearly defined outcome. They provide direction, instructions and guidance to ensure the achievement of set goals. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same whatever the role. Key responsibilities are likely to include supporting, managing and developing team members, managing projects, planning and monitoring workloads and resources, delivering operational plans, resolving problems, and building relationships internally and externally. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: typically, 12-18 months  
• Designed for: clinical/non-clinical current or aspiring team leaders  
• Course cost: maximum £4,500. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£225) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0). 

Apprenticeship Pathway

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Various Leadership/Management options. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.  

Operations/Departmental Manager (Level 5)

An Operations or Departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy.

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: usually 24 months 
• Designed for: New recruits and current staff in non-clinical or clinical management roles who wish to develop their managerial knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Course cost: £7,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£350) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Apprenticeship Pathway

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Project Manager, Chartered Manager, Improvement Leader. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Chartered Manager (Level 6) 

Nurses in general practice undertake a wide range of roles and are involved in almost every aspect of a patient’s care, assessing, screening and treating people of all ages. In addition to providing traditional aspects of nursing care such as wound care, immunisations and administration of medicines, general practice nurses run health checks and clinics for those with long term conditions including asthma, heart disease and diabetes. 

No two days are the same when you’re a nurse. As your career progresses, you could specialise in areas, or you could undertake further postgraduate studies to become a more senior nurse, such as an advanced clinical practitioner. You could also move into management, clinical research or teaching. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to make a real difference to people’s lives, every single day. 

Registered nurses are a statutorily regulated profession and the standards for proficiency are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and successful completion of this apprenticeship will meet the education requirements to see registration with the NMC.  

Key Points about the Apprenticeship 

• Learners will cover all four fields of nursing and then focus on their chosen field (Adult, Child, MH or LD)  
• Duration: Usually 4 years for HCAs, or Top-Up route for Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners (Usually 2 years/2 years 8 months) 
• Designed for: Healthcare Support Worker. Other roles/experiences will be considered on an individual basis. NAs/APs can apply for Top-Up route.  
• Course cost: typically, £26,000 or top up route typically between £15,000-£22,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0

Additional Funding 

• • ARRS funding can now support an individual to go from a Trainee Nursing Associate to a Registered Nurse. NHS England have expanded the list of roles that are eligible for funding under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). In additional to supporting Trainee Nursing Associates, this now includes reimbursing training time for Nursing Associates to become Registered Nurses. Find out more on the HASO webpage. 
  • NHSE have secured very limited funding for the Learning Disability Nursing Apprenticeship pathway (full programme or top-up) of up to £8,300 per apprentice that starts on programme during academic year 2023-24. If any employers would like to discuss this route and their suitability for applying (start date tbc dependant on university but likely Jan – March 2024) please get in touch with the Apprenticeship Team on 07735161775 or [email protected] . Deadline for confirming the need for 2023/24 funding is 6th October 2023.  Please also get in touch if you wish to consider applying for intakes during Sep 2024-March 2025 as funding has been requested but not yet confirmed for the next academic year. 

 Resources

• Nursing Apprenticeship standard  
• HASO Skills for Health RNDA Webpage and Resources 
• NMC Standards of proficiency for registered nurses – The Nursing and Midwifery Council 
• Royal College of Nursing – Immunisation Knowledge and Skills Competence Assessment Tool 
• Magenta’s Blog about General Practice Nursing as a newly qualified nurse can be read here
• Nursing Apprenticeship NHS NW Webinar – June 2023 – Please find attached the webinar slides from the NHSE NW Nursing Apprenticeship event that took place in June 2023. If you would like to know more or wish to apply for an apprenticeship please contact the Training Hub Apprenticeship team on [email protected]  
• Mental Health Nursing apprenticeship showcase – Post webinar slide pack

Apprenticeship Pathway

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Coaching Professional, Chartered Manager, Senior Leader. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

Nursing Associates bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver hands-on, person-centred care as part of the nursing team. They work with people of all ages in a variety of settings in health and social care. NHSE’s animation showcases the role across different settings giving practical examples of the duties being carried out and the benefits they bring to employers. These benefits include improved service delivery and patient care, improved staff retention through career progression and contribution to widening participation.   

If you would like to find out more about the Nursing Associate role please get in touch with our TNA/NA Practice Education Facilitator, Jay Blackshaw either via teams call or email on [email protected]

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Learning must cover pre conception to death, across all four nursing fields (Adult, Child, MH and LD) and home, close to home and hospital settings. 
• Additional Benefits: Register with NMC on successful completion 
• Duration: Typically 2 years  
• Designed for: Healthcare Support Workers. Other roles and experience will be considered on an individual basis 
• Course cost:  Typically £15,000. For non-levy paying practices* only 5% (£750) contribution required to be paid, or potential for full levy transfer (£0)  

NHSE TNA Additional Funding 2023-24

NHSE have confirmed funding is available to support Nursing Associate Apprenticeships commencing between 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024. This is £4,000 per year for up to 2 years (up to £8,000), per Nursing Associate Apprentice. This is available to help the employer support their learner/s during and after the apprenticeship (such as uniform, travel expenses, ICT, further training). It is not available to use to cover the cost of backfill.  Please contact the Training Hub Apprenticeship team for more information.

Resources

• Nursing Associate Apprenticeship standard  
• NAs Their Role in GP 
• TNA FAQ  
• Case Study: Irwell Medical Practice – Benefits of the Nursing Associate Role 
• HASO Apprenticeship Information Pack 
• Visit our TNA & NA webpage for more information on these roles in Primary Care. You will also find additional training/support options for TNAs which will help further develop those undertaking an apprenticeship programme, and training, support and resources for qualified professionals.  
• Laura’s Primary Care TNA Apprenticeship Case study June 2023 

Apprenticeship Pathway

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Nursing Top-Up.  Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

If you would like to find out more about the Nursing Associate role please get in touch with our TNA General Practice Education Facilitator, Jay Blackshaw, either via teams call or email on [email protected]

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Occupational Therapy is a rewarding career which requires a highly developed knowledge and professional skill-set to work across a range of settings and environments. Occupational Therapists work with individuals from birth to end of life including those with physical and mental health conditions, injury, learning disabilities, long-term conditions, palliative care needs and with those who find themselves displaced from their societies. An Occupational Therapist uses specific activities to limit the effects of disability and promote independence in all aspects of daily life. 

Occupational Therapist is a profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  

Sheffield Hallam University are the HEE and NHS approved provider for the North West. Please find details of their programme in the resources here, including the latest webinar which took place in June 2022. This focusses on their next cohort which starts in March 2023.   

• Introduction to the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship 
• Overview of first year OTDA modules 
• Overview of second year OTDA modules 
• Overview of third year OTDA modules 
• https://www.shu.ac.uk/health-social-placements – the relevant placement documentation is under occupational therapy and then assessment – scroll down for the degree apprenticeship. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• North West Provider is Sheffield Hallam University 
• Duration: 3 years  
• Designed for: Designed for those working in health or social care settings who are either entering or working in the sector and looking to progress from a support role, such as Occupational Therapy Assistant, Assistant Practitioner or Technical Instructor.  
• Course cost: typically, £24,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£1,200) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Resources

• Apprenticeship standard  
• HCPC Standards of Proficency for Occupational Therapists | (hcpc-uk.org) 
• HASO Occupational Therapist Apprenticeship Information pack 
• RCOT – Apprenticeship In Occupational Therapy 

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Coaching Professional. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

Pharmacy Technician (Level 3) 

Pharmacy Technicians are registered professionals working within the regulatory standards for pharmacy, as set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Pharmacy Order 2010. Pharmacy Technicians work in a wide range of settings, including (but not exclusively): registered pharmacies, community services, justice (the Prison Service), GP Practices, dispensing doctors’ practices, care homes and clinical commissioning groups, hospitals, mental health, defence (HM Armed Services) and within the pharmaceutical industry. 

Visit our Pharmacy webpage for more information on the role in Primary Care, plus further training, support and resources. 

Resources

• Apprenticeship Standard 
• Pharmacy Apprenticeship FAQ’s 

 Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Pharmacist (Level 7) 

This apprenticeship standard is in the early stages of being explored and no further information is available yet. 

Physician Associates are healthcare professionals who work alongside registered doctors and provide medical care as an integral part of a wider healthcare team. They are dependent practitioners, which means that they must work with a dedicated medical supervisor, but are able to work autonomously with appropriate support. They can be found working in GP surgeries, accident and emergency departments, care homes and hospitals. Physician associates are medically trained to provide all aspects of health care to patients, including: consultation, assessment, treatment and management of their health care. They can take medical histories, perform physical examinations, request and interpret investigations, diagnose and manage patients, and perform an extensive range of specialised procedural skills within their scope of practice. 

Visit our Physician Associates webpage for more information on the role in Primary Care, plus further training, support and resources. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: typically 30 months  
• Designed for: Nurses and AHPs. Other professions may be considered on an individual basis (will usually need to have a BSc Hons degree).  
• Course cost: up to £17,000 For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£850) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Funding

NHSE funding for employer grants of £10,000 per employee starting on a Physician Associate Apprenticeship programme within 2023/24. The guidance around this and process for employers to express interest before the deadline of 6pm 14 July 2023 is available here. Any employers that apply, please also notify the Training Hub Apprenticeships Team by emailing [email protected] so that further support can be provided. 

Resources  

• Apprenticeship standard  
• HASO Physician Associate FAQs 
• HEE Implementation Webinar Sep 2022 slides. More information, including the recording is available on request.

• Physician Associate Apprenticeship National Network – HEE has led on a number of activities to develop a national framework for programme provision. There are now 10 providers that will be offering a PA Apprenticeship, and to support employers with the implementation of this apprenticeship standard, HEE introduced a national PA Apprenticeship Network since November 2022. Please email [email protected] to express an interest in joining the national network.

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further development via apprenticeship options could include; Coaching Professional, various Management/Leadership options. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

 Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.  University of Central Lancashire and Edge Hill University are NHS approved procured for the North West. 

Physiotherapists work with individuals, and their families and carers, from birth to end of life and in a wide range of health and social care settings. They lead and deliver programmes and interventions to help people affected by injury, ageing, illness or disability. Physiotherapists use a range of physical and psychological treatment approaches, including movement, exercise and manual therapy, to optimise an individual’s mobility, function and quality of life. They also provide education about health and wellbeing and provide specific advice that can be applied to everyday activities to manage and reduce the risk of pain or injury. The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to remain independent for as long as possible. 

Visit our Physiotherapist webpage for more information on the role in Primary Care, plus training, support and resources for qualified professionals. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: typically, 4 years  
• Designed for:  HCAs, Assistant Practitioners and Physiotherapy Assistants. Other previous experience may be considered on an individual basis. 
• Course cost: typically, £24,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£1,200) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0). Top up options are in development (for qualified Assistant Practitioners for example) more details will be added when announced. 

Resources 

• Apprenticeship standard  
• The need for Physiotherapists in Primary Care (First Contact Practitioners) 

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Coaching Professional. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.   

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. University of Central Lancashire is the NHS approved and procured provider for the North West, the first intake is likely September 2023. A webinar for North West employers took place in December 2022. Please access a recording of this here. 

The broad purpose of this occupation is for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) to interact with adult patients in primary care, across a number of different services and variety of environments including being able to practice in diverse cultures. 

PWPs are trained to assess and support people experiencing common mental health problems, principally anxiety disorders and depression, in the self-management of their recovery, via a range of low-intensity, evidence-based interventions, informed by underlying cognitive/behavioural principles. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship

• Duration: Usually 12 months  
• Designed for:  those in Health and Social Care such as; Assistant Practitioners, SHSWs/HCAs, Admin staff, IAPT support roles. 
• Course cost: Usually £7,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£350) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Resources 

• Apprenticeship standard  
  • The PWP Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group have opened a consultation for the review of the PWP apprenticeship standard. To give maximum opportunity for everyone to contribute, this consultation is available as an online survey here. This consultation will close at 12pm on Friday, 10th November 2023.
• PWP Apprenticeship – FAQs 
• PWP Information Resource Pack 

Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Clinical Associate in Psychology. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.  

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply. 

• A National procurement has been completed for this programme through HEE and NHS Salisbury. Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Solent University and Teeside University’s programme delivery is suitable for those within Lancashire and South Cumbria, however at this time only LJMU’s programme is validated and has cohorts to apply to.   
• LJMU’s programme start dates are every October and March. More information will soon be available on the Training Hub overview spreadsheet. In the meantime, if you are interested in or wish to apply for this apprenticeship, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and a meeting will be arranged between employer and university to discuss the programme.  

Senior Healthcare Support Workers (SHCSW) help registered practitioners deliver healthcare services to people. As an experienced support worker, you carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner. You provide high quality, compassionate healthcare, following standards, policies or protocols and always acting within the limits of your competence. SHCSW work in partnership with individuals, families, carers and other service providers. 

Key Points about the Apprenticeship 

• Focus on a specific route: Adult Nursing Support, Mental Health Support, Maternity Support, Theatre support, Children and Young People Support or Allied Health Profession Therapy Support 
• Choice of Modules and specific routes allow Employer and Learner to tailor learning to best meet employer needs 
• Additional Benefits: Includes the Care Certificate 
• Duration: Usually 24 Months 
• Designed for: Current HCA/HCSWs wanting to develop their knowledge, skills and qualifications, who have the desire and opportunity to support colleagues and progress in to a senior role.
• Course cost: Usually £5,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£250) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 
• Support with recruitment: Providers will support with advertising and recruitment stages for a new recruit apprentice 

Resources 

• SHCSW Apprenticeship standard  
• A SHCSW apprenticeship information pack has been published which includes useful links, case studies, resources and more. The pack is available using this link.  
• The Healthcare Career Starter Apprenticeships Pack includes useful information and is a great resource if looking to recruit a young apprentice. 
• Our Healthcare Support Worker webpage highlights additional training options, which may be useful alternative training options or help further develop those undertaking an apprenticeship programme.

 Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Assistant Practitioner, Nursing Associate, Nursing, AHP.  Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience. 

Course Options:  Please use the Apprenticeships Comparison Tool for details on courses within Lancashire and South Cumbria and how to apply.

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council and are uniquely qualified to provide speech, language, communication and eating, drinking and swallowing therapies. They work in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, in the community, within charities, schools, and peoples’ homes. There are opportunities throughout your career to specialise and move into leadership, training and research roles. 

Course Options:  

This course is currently in development. More information will be provided once available. 

Following on from the National SLT apprenticeship procurement, HEE are working with the University of Sheffield to develop a North cohort.  To ensure the programme developed reflects employer requirements HEE released an employer survey to gather employer preferences and feedback. Following this an employer session took place in June 2022 to discuss the feedback received and start the necessary collaborative work with employers across the North and with the University of Sheffield to progress with the development of the programme.  

The proposed programme is 4 years, with 20% of the time being university teaching, and 60% of the time for work based learning. It is expected the programme will start 2023. More information is available on the webinar slides, including proposed structure and entry requirements. The slides are available in the resources section below.  

Key Points about the Apprenticeship: 

• Duration: typically, 4 years 
• Course cost: £25,000. For non-levy paying practices only 5% (£1,250) contribution required to be paid or potential for full levy transfer (£0) 

Useful resources  

• Apprenticeship standard  
• HEE and University of Salford (National Provider) Information session October 2022
• Frequently asked questions
• Example business case 

 Apprenticeship Pathway 

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner. Other examples can be found here. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.  

 If you are interested in applying for this apprenticeship, please complete our Expression of Interest Form