Higher Level Apprenticeship for Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare

Skills for Health have issued a new Higher Level Apprenticeship for Assistant Practitioner roles in healthcare. The Apprenticeship framework has been developed by Skills for Health with employers to provide a progression route for Healthcare Support Workers who want to develop the skills and knowledge required to be an Assistant Practitioner. The framework has both a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) route and Foundation Degree route to achieving occupational competence. Employers and Apprentices can choose the qualification that best suits their needs.

The first Apprentices on the framework are expected to start in September 2013.

Amanda Shobrook, Wider Workforce and Apprenticeship Lead from Health Education South West said:

"With the recommendations from the Francis Report in February 2013 and the need to develop a work based programme which delivers the skills and knowledge underpinned by core NHS values and beliefs, as highlighted in the NHS Constitution, there has never been a better time to have developed a Higher Level Apprenticeship Framework which will deliver an accountable and responsible Assistant Practitioner workforce for the future healthcare challenges".

John Rogers CEO said:

"We are delighted to have been working with employers, City & Guilds and Higher Education Institutions to design a Higher Level Apprenticeship for Assistant Practitioners, recognising the growing importance of these roles in delivering effective high quality care to patients".

The details of the Apprenticeship framework can be seen at http://www.afo.sscalliance.org/frameworkslibrary/index.cfm?id=FR02162

For further information please contact Angelo.Varetto@skillsforhealth.org.uk.