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.
For more insight into how apprenticeships can support the Primary Care workforce you can:
- View our Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) case study [PDF, size: 456 KB] with The Wilson Practice in Hampshire
- Or watch Frimley Training Hubs video
Apprenticeships suitable to roles in Primary Care
With nearly 700 apprenticeships available, it can be difficult to find programmes that would be suitable to roles in Primary Care. We have provided some information for several relevant apprenticeship programmes, to support your teams to consider how an apprentice could fit into your workforce.
Clinical programmes
Non-clinical programmes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. More information is available in the levy transfer section on this webpage.
Please note, levy can only be used to pay for the training fees and not the salary for the apprentice.
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 Healthcare Apprenticeships Standards Online (HASO) recognition of prior learning webpage for more information on recognition of prior learning.
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 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.
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.
Where can we check which apprenticeships are available?
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.
Functional Skills
Achieving Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths are key outcomes for all apprenticeships, and for many regulated healthcare qualifications. English and maths qualifications can be a huge enabler to individuals before starting an apprenticeship, as this will support them in accessing apprenticeships and aid their future achievements.
The Functional Skills Primary Care information pack [PDF, size: 406 KB] may be useful to help all Primary Care colleagues understand the need for these core skills, but please note training opportunities in this pack are available to those working in Thames Valley only.
Generic resources are listed below:
- Functional Skills information for Primary Care video – YouTube
- Learning pathways to achieving functional skills English and maths qualifications video – YouTube
- National Numeracy webpage
- Support for Functional Skills PowerPoint
Levy transfer
Practices or Primary Care Networks seeking an apprenticeship levy transfer to fund the costs of an apprenticeship training programme, may wish to watch the bitesize understanding levy transfers session:
- Apprenticeships in Primary Care bitesize information session understanding levy transfers slides [PDF, size: 826 KB]
- Nursing apprenticeships levy transfer and adding your apprentice to the Digital Service Account guidance [PDF, 448 KB]
Resources
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk apprenticeship funding rules guidance
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk key considerations when selecting an apprenticeship training provider
- Apprenticeships in Primary Care – which apprenticeships support the Primary Care workforce [PDF, size: 326 KB]
- Apprenticeship bitesize – Digital and Quality apprenticeship programmes
- Apprenticeship Success – Tracy Hatch
- Frimley Training Hub apprenticeship videos
- Gov.uk apprenticeships off the job training guidance
- HASO Skills for Health Primary Care apprenticeships
- Understanding Digital & Quality Apprenticeships in Primary Care