What is an apprenticeship?
Did you know that there are over 350 different jobs in Health and Social Care, jobs that are delivered by more than a million people?
Did you also know that there are now over 90 of these careers that can be started through an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job with a real salary, so you can work towards a recognised qualification while still earning a wage.
Apprenticeships are a fantastic route into a career as they provide the opportunity to learn, earn and gain a qualification. In simple terms, an apprenticeship is simply a job with an accompanying skills development programme.
An apprenticeship is a good choice for individuals of all ages; despite popular belief, an apprenticeship is not only available to young people, they are open to all ages whatever your level of learning, including those aiming to return to work, or wanting a career change.
Explore the latest Apprenticeship vacancies from NHS Jobs, WM Jobs and the National Apprenticeship service all in one place in the Current Vacancies section of the website.
There are a wide variety of apprenticeships in Health and Social Care that are not solely restricted to clinical roles, but include numerous support roles too.
Non-clinical apprenticeships include: Business and Administration; Team Leader/Supervisor; Customer Service; Operations/Departmental Manager. There are also apprenticeships available in the field of catering and hospitality: Hospitality Manager; Senior Production.
There are a number of new routes into a digital and/or IT career too, such as: Cyber Security Technologist; Data Analyst; Infrastructure Technician.
There are also plenty of clinical roles available: Health Care Assistant; Adult Care Worker; Lead Adult Care Worker through to Trainee Nurse Associateship and Nursing Degree apprenticeships.
For more information and examples of what apprenticeship roles are available visit our page What type of roles are available?
Or have a look at Apprenticeships in health: Something for Everyone
Apprenticeships are available from levels 2 through to 7.
Intermediate level apprenticeships work towards level 2 (equivalent to 5 GSCEs at grades A*) and provide the foundation and skills that are needed to progress towards your chosen career or entry to the next stage, advanced level apprenticeships.
Advanced level apprenticeships work towards level 3 (equivalent to 2 A-levels) learning qualification. Criteria: five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an intermediate level.
Higher level apprenticeships work towards level 4, 5, 6, and 7 (equivalent to a foundation degree or above) knowledge based qualifications. Criteria: 2 A-levels or have completed an advanced level apprenticeship. Degree level work-based learning towards levels 6 and 7 are equivalent to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Employers will want to make sure that you can cope with the level of the work involved. So the entry requirements will depend on the employer and the type and level of apprenticeship.
For instance, for direct entry to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship, you may need four or five GCSEs at grades 9-4/A-C or equivalent, sometimes including particular subjects. You may also be expected to take an entry test.
To start a Higher Apprenticeship you are likely to need a qualification at level 3 or sufficient experience.