Apprenticeships: ‘Earn while you learn’
Apprenticeships are paid positions which combine learning and practicing new skills in the workplace with off the job study, closely supported and supervised by a professional training provider.
At ASPH, we believe apprenticeships are worth investing in. We are committed to continuing to build our apprenticeship offer, diversifying our workforce and supporting our apprentices to get the most out of their experience.
Our vision is to create a sustainable long term investment in supporting the development of apprenticeship opportunities for new and existing staff.
Apprenticeships are a great way to start, develop or change your career. Anyone over the age of 16 can do an apprenticeship, as there is no upper age limit. They can be studied to degree level, without tuition fees.
Doing an apprenticeship requires hard work, takes time and commitment, but it’s worth it!
As the country’s largest employer the NHS offers the widest variety of apprenticeships in patient-facing and supporting roles.
Apprenticeships in the healthcare sector
There are both clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships available in the health care sector.
Some of the current clinical and technical apprenticeships at ASPH are listed below:
- Healthcare Support Worker Nursing Associate
- Registered Nurse
- Maternity Support
- Allied Health Professionals
- Healthcare Science Assistant
- Healthcare Science Associate
For more information about the apprenticeship levels and standards please see Apprenticeships Explained.
Useful Resources
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education page is a great website to visit to learn more about apprenticeships.
Are you a parent who would like to know more about Apprenticeships? Visit the resource hub to find out more.
As the country’s largest employer the NHS offers the widest variety of apprenticeships in patient-facing and supporting roles.
Allied Health Professional Career Progression Degree Apprenticeship route
This degree route apprenticeship enables people to train to become graduate HCPC registered professionals. It combines work and part time study in a University and practice placements at ASPH. Those undertaking these apprenticeships are employed in clinical support roles.
The AHP Apprenticeship provides:
- Permanent employment in a clinical support role
- Access to the professional degree programmes
- University course fees paid for by ASPH (earn, learn and no debt)
- Paid leave for academic study and practice placement
- Support throughout your employment and training
- Nationally recognised qualification
- Promotion to the professional band 5 role, subject to registration with the HCPC
- Excellent career opportunities and progression
Current AHP Apprenticeships on offer include:
- Diagnostic Radiographer
- Dietitian (from January 2023)
- Occupational Therapist
- Operating Department Practitioner
- Physiotherapist (from September 2023)
- Speech and Language Therapist
For more information about Allied Health Professional apprenticeships at ASPH please see below.
▶ Diagnostic Radiographer
Integrated Degree - Apprenticeship Level 6
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 36 months
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide excellent patient care by obtaining images of a high diagnostic quality using a range of imaging equipment e.g. x-rays and cross-sectional imaging methods (Computed Tomography or CT), fluoroscopy and is able to assist in other imaging modalities such as Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Breast Imaging and Nuclear Medicine. The work is physically and mentally demanding and involves direct patient contact, which can be of a personal nature.
Radiographers primarily work in diagnostic imaging departments in hospitals (inpatients and outpatients), and also provide mobile imaging on Wards, including the Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Emergency Department and Operating Theatres. Diagnostic Radiographers may also provide imaging in stand- alone satellite units.
Application: This apprenticeship is currently only offered to ASPH radiography assistants. Should you be interested in becoming a radiography assistant, please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
▶ Dietitian
Integrated Degree Level 7 (from January 2023)
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 48 months
Dietitians use advanced communication and behaviour-change skills to enable people to make informed lifestyle and food choices to improve their health. They work in partnership with individuals to assess, diagnose and monitor the impact of jointly agreed treatment plans. They use the most up to date evidence to help people with a range of issues such as malnutrition, digestive problems, allergies and weight management. The work in a range of settings including hospital inpatients, outpatients and the wider community.
Application: This apprenticeship is currently only offered to ASPH Dietetic Assistants. Should you be interested in becoming a Dietetic Assistant, please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
▶ Occupational Therapist
Integrated Degree Level 6,
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 48 months
Occupational Therapy is a rewarding career which entails working with individuals to enable them to participate in meaningful occupations and activities of everyday life.
As a career, Occupational Therapists require a highly developed knowledge and professional skill-set enabling them to work across a range of settings and environments. Occupational Therapists are problem solvers who aim to help people to carry out daily activities – or ‘occupations’ – that they need to do and want to do by providing ‘practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities that matter to them’ (Royal College of Occupational Therapists 2019).
Application: This apprenticeship is currently only offered to ASPH Occupational Therapy Assistants. Should you be interested in becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant, please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
▶ Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
Integrated degree - Apprenticeship Level 6,
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 48 months
Operating Departments Practitioners work in theatres alongside other professionals such as anaesthetists and surgeons. They take a lead role in ensuring a patient is safe and receives the best care before, during and after their surgery. ODPs also ensure that the highly technical environment of the operating theatre environment is safe and effective.
Application: This apprenticeship is currently only offered to ASPH Theatre Support Workers. You can apply for a Theatre Support Worker role; this provides you with access to apply for this career route as an internal candidate. Please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
▶ Physiotherapist
Integrated Degree Level 6 (From September 2023)
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 48 months
Physiotherapists work with individuals, their families and carers, to lead and deliver programmes and interventions that help people affected by injury, ageing, illness or disability. They 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 manage and reduce the risk of pain or injury. Physiotherapists enable people to remain independent for as long as possible.
Application: We are hoping to offer this apprenticeship from 2023 to physiotherapy assistants. Should you be interested in becoming a Physiotherapy Assistant, please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
▶ Speech and Language Therapist
Integrated Degree Level 6
Typical Apprenticeship Duration: 48 months
Speech and language therapists help people of all ages with speech, language and communication problems. They can also help people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. We have speech and language therapists at ASPH working across our services, including with children and younger people, older adults and people living with dementia.
Application: This apprenticeship is currently only offered to ASPH Speech and Language Therapy Assistants. Should you be interested in becoming a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, please see our Current Vacancies and select Allied Health Professions.
Some of the non-clinical apprenticeships relevant to the health sector are:
- Leadership and Management
- Early Years Educator
- Customer Service
- Business & Administration
