Apprenticeship training programmes are a fantastic way to develop and retain your workforce. Apprenticeships provide robust, high-quality development for your existing and new employees, with access to qualifications at entry Level 2 to post-graduate Level 7.
Apprenticeships suitable to roles in Primary Care
With nearly 700 apprenticeships available, it can be difficult to navigate apprenticeships that would be suitable to roles in Primary Care. The information below provides a brief overview, or link to more information for each of the relevant apprenticeship programmes.
The Skills for Health apprenticeship webpage also has a wealth of information for employers and apprentices in Primary Care.
For help and support with implementing an apprenticeship, including questions about funding, please contact your local apprenticeship lead by emailing the TVW Primary Care School team.
Frequently asked questions
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices get a paying job with valuable training for 20% of their time, while they work towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard or framework.
Where can we check which apprenticeships are available?
Healthcare Apprenticeships Standards Online (HASO) is an online system, developed by Skills for Health, that allows you to find and download apprenticeship standards commonly used in healthcare settings. You can search by occupation, level, or route.
How do we choose an apprenticeship training provider?
Once you know which apprenticeship standard or framework your apprentice wants to study, you can visit Salisbury DPS self service area at FutureNHS for guides and order forms.
How do we pay for apprenticeship training?
Apprenticeship training fees are paid for from the apprenticeship levy. As most Primary Care Practices are non-levy paying, organisations you would either pay a 5% contribution to the costs of the apprenticeship or you can ask for levy transfer from neighbouring organisations to cover the whole cost. Your local apprenticeship lead can support with this process, please enquire via england.primarycareschooltvw.se@nhs.net.
Please note, levy can only be used to pay for the training fees and not the salary for the apprentice.
What employment contracts do apprentices need?
All apprentices must have a contract of employment which is long enough for them to complete the apprenticeship programme. They must also have a job role (or roles) that provides them with the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to achieve their apprenticeship.
Employment can be offered either on a fixed-term or permanent basis, however the apprenticeship must last a minimum of 12-months, regardless of age or prior experience.
The Gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules guidance contain detailed information on employing apprentices.
Do apprentices have to be employed full time?
The minimum duration of 12-months is based on an apprentice working at least 30 hours a week, including any off-the-job training they undertake. If the apprentice works fewer than 30 hours a week, or where a part-time working pattern is needed, you must agree with the training provider to extend the apprenticeship accordingly.
What are the minimum entry requirements for an apprenticeship?
Maths and English GCSE grade 4/C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in both are required for all apprenticeships.
If prospective apprentices do not have these qualifications, have lost their certificates, or have obtained qualifications overseas, then you can request support from the TVW Primary Care School.
We are being asked to sign an apprenticeship agreement. What is this?
Before the programme begins, the employer and apprentice sign an apprenticeship agreement that contains important information regarding the apprenticeship. It serves as a binding employment contract between the apprentice and the employer and is a legal obligation.
What do we do if an apprentice goes on maternity leave or long-term sick leave?
The Gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules guidance contains information on the action an employer must take if the apprentice requires a break in their apprenticeship due to illness, maternity, or other personal reasons. This includes when to stop and reactivate payments, who to inform and how to record this break to avoid incurring any costs.
Can we claim back the costs incurred from training an apprentice from the apprentice if they leave after completing their training or withdraw from the programme?
No. In the new Gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules guidance, employers are no longer able to ask apprentices to pay back any costs for training, exams or other activities.
Can apprentices work in different departments as part of their 20% off-the-job training?
Yes – if the activity is within the scope of their role, is away from their day-to-day job, and the apprentice gets to learn and practice their skills and knowledge.
For further guidance and resources for employers on meeting the 20% off-the-job training requirement refer to Gov.uk apprenticeships: off the job training guidance.
I have a member of staff who already has prior learning, could this be used towards their apprenticeship?
If the prior learning is relevant to the apprenticeship being undertaken, then yes. Please see the HASO website for more information on recognition of prior learning.
Do apprentices need a lot of support?
Apprentices may need additional support in the initial stages, especially if this is their first experience of employment, but this is likely to decrease as their skills and confidence grow. Where appropriate, supervision or mentoring can be offered by an existing member of staff wishing to gain experience as part of their development.
Financial support is available to help with the cost of supporting younger apprentices, care leavers and young adults up to 25 who have an education, health, and care plan (EHC). For more details see the Gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules guidance.
Useful resources
Apprenticeship levy transfer resources
– Understanding levy transfers – advice for Primary Care employers webinar
– Understanding levy transfers in Primary Care slide set
To apply for an apprenticeship levy transfer, please contact your local apprenticeship lead via the TVW Primary Care School inbox.
- Apprenticeships in Primary Care – which apprenticeships support the Primary Care workforce [PDF, size: 326 KB]
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk key considerations when selecting an apprenticeship training provider
- Frimley Training Hub apprenticeship videos
- Functional Skills
- Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) case study – The Wilson Practice [PDF, size: 456 KB]
- Apprenticeships in Primary Care video