Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

About

The programme aims to provide education that combines and balances academic knowledge, vocational experience with personal and professional skills development.

The guiding philosophy of this programme is to enable learners to take responsibility and reflect on their personal and professional development needs to tailor their learning experiences, enabling them to function effectively within the Health and Social Care setting.

In particular the course aims to:

• Provide an overarching framework and infrastructure through which learners can develop the knowledge, skills and values based behaviours required to practice safely and effectively within the Health and Social care setting.
• Allow recognition of learning in, for and through the workplace through employer or learner-negotiated learning pathways.
• Facilitate the updating of knowledge or skills in Health and Social Care to continue personal and professional development.
• Foster the development of autonomous reflective and reflexive life-long learners using the workplace as a context for learning.
• Develop and enhance the learner’s intellectual, analytical and problem-solving skills through an academically rigorous course of study.
• Provide the opportunity for a gradual introduction or return to study at HE level to accommodate, within reason, individual and organisational needs and circumstances.
• Enable learners to negotiate an individual learning pathway that reflects individual needs, circumstances and desired outcomes.
• Enable learners to apply and adapt a range of appropriate models, tools and techniques to manage the processes of information collection, validation, analysis and interpretation.

Benefits for the Employer

Employers who have employees studying the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship can enjoy several benefits. Here are some of the advantages for employers:

1. Skilled and Knowledgeable Workforce: Apprentices gain practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and industry-specific training during their apprenticeship. As a result, employers benefit from having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce who can contribute to the organisation’s goals and objectives effectively.
2. Tailored Training: The apprenticeship program can be customized to align with the specific needs of the employer and the healthcare setting. This allows employers to shape the training to meet their organisational requirements, ensuring that apprentices develop skills and competencies relevant to the workplace.
3. Increased Retention and Loyalty: Investing in apprenticeships demonstrates a commitment to employee development and career progression. This can lead to increased employee loyalty and motivation, as apprentices recognize the employer’s investment in their professional growth. As a result, employers may experience higher retention rates and reduced turnover costs.
4. Cost Savings: Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way for employers to develop their workforce. While apprentices work and learn, they contribute to the organisation, often taking on responsibilities that would otherwise require additional staffing. This reduces the need for hiring external candidates and associated recruitment costs.
5. Improved Productivity: Apprenticeships provide a structured learning environment where employees can develop their skills and knowledge. As apprentices progress through the program, they become more proficient in their role, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in their day-to-day work.
6. Enhanced Organisational Reputation: Employers that invest in apprenticeship programs enhance their reputation as employers of choice. This commitment to developing talent and supporting employees’ career advancement can attract high-quality candidates and enhance the organisation’s image within the healthcare sector.
7. Succession Planning: Apprenticeships can be an effective strategy for succession planning within an organisation. By nurturing talent from within, employers can identify and develop individuals who have the potential to take on more senior roles in the future, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals.

Collaboration with Training Providers: Employers who offer apprenticeships often collaborate closely with training providers, fostering strong partnerships. This collaboration can result in shared resources, access to industry expertise, and a deeper understanding of the organisation’s specific needs, leading to a more tailored and effective training experience for the apprentices.

Benefits for the Apprentice

1. Practical Experience: The apprenticeship provides an opportunity for hands-on learning and practical experience in a healthcare setting. Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights and developing their skills in a real-world environment.
2. Career Progression: Completing a Level 5 apprenticeship can enhance career prospects and open doors to various roles within the healthcare sector. Assistant practitioners often work in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, community healthcare centres, or social care environments.
3. Recognised Qualification: The apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognised qualification, which validates the apprentice’s competence and expertise as an assistant practitioner. This qualification is valued by employers and can enhance future employability.
4. Knowledge and Skills Development: The apprenticeship program covers a range of subjects, including healthcare practice, anatomy and physiology, patient care, communication skills, and research methods. Apprentices gain a solid foundation of knowledge and develop skills that are directly applicable to their role, enabling them to provide high-quality care and support to patients.
5. Professional Networking: During the apprenticeship, apprentices have the opportunity to network with professionals and build relationships within the healthcare sector. This networking can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential future employment prospects.
6. Personal and Professional Growth: The apprenticeship experience not only enhances technical skills but also fosters personal and professional growth. Apprentices develop qualities such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are highly transferable to other areas of life and future career endeavours.
7. Paid Employment and Financial Stability: Apprentices are employed by an organisation throughout their apprenticeship, which means they earn a wage while they learn. This financial stability can be particularly beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in healthcare but may not have the means to support themselves through full-time education.
8. Continued Learning Opportunities: The Level 5 apprenticeship acts as a stepping stone for further learning and career advancement. It can provide a pathway to higher-level qualifications, such as a degree or a professional registration, allowing apprentices to continually expand their knowledge and progress in their chosen field.

It’s important to note that the benefits of the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship may vary depending on the specific healthcare setting, the apprentice’s dedication and commitment, and the support provided by the employer and training provider.

Learning Approach

Learners attend college one day per week. Start dates for each cohort will be determined locally and/or by demand but can be outside the standard academic year delivery pattern. The programme adopts a blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of lectures, class-based seminars, and discussions whilst in attendance at college, together with learning in the workplace.

Work-based learning is facilitated through self-study and reflective practice. Learners have access to a range of academic and other learning resources available through the college and University. A tri-partite relationship between the learner, the work-based supervisor and the academic staff will monitor the progress and assessment of the learner.

Study Commitment

As a guide, apprentices should expect to study for an additional 12 hours per week on top of their scheduled learning. Employers are expected to support their apprentice’s study by providing a workplace mentor and supporting meetings and assessments.

Qualification Awarded

All successful graduates are awarded a FdSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care from Sheffield Hallam University, as well as a Level 5 degree apprenticeship.

Next Steps

Make an enquiry and a member of the team will be happy to discuss with you.