Apprenticeship requirements

• To be employed at a minimum of 30 hours per week, have managers support and work substantively in a team with qualified members of the applicable profession.
• Attend full time student placements (this also applies to part-time staff and placements need to be in paid time)
• Be willing to travel to and work within practice placements in a range of different settings and sectors with diverse patient/client groups that may operate shift patterns and/or 7 day services.
• Have Level 2 (Functional Skills or GCE) English & Maths with formal certificates to evidence (applies to all apprenticeship routes).
• Be up to date with all mandatory training prior to application, including the care certificate.
• In addition all degree apprenticeships have strict qualification criteria and need level 3 qualifications equivalent to A levels. Some, like Physiotherapy, need specific science components.
• To participate in a competitive selection process within both the Trust & Universities. The University has the final say on acceptance on to courses.
• Cohorts are yearly so candidates may have to wait if they have missed an annual intake process.
• All apprentices should join their own professional body as a student or associate member whilst on an apprenticeship programme.

Staff accepted onto the apprenticeship programme will continue to be paid on their current band (reflecting their current role) and will receive any annual increments to which they are entitled. Individual staff will therefore be paid at different rates while attending the course.  All apprenticeship specific posts in future will be at Band 3.

The courses will require commitment to a substantial amount of study within your own time, in order to prepare academic assignments for the University.  An apprenticeship means 3 or 4 years of juggling work/study/family balance.

Your employer will release you to attend University for the days specified depending on the apprenticeship, and for the induction. In addition, you will be supported by a workbase mentor for ‘on the job learning’.

In addition, it has been agreed in principle that apprentices can take one additional study day per month. This can be split up & taken weekly or taken in one day. It cannot be accumulated or added onto leave. This day is supported in principle, it is not mandatory and not an entitlement. It is subject to the needs of the service and at the discretion of your manager. This is to support your studies and needs to be agreed by your manager, it will not always be possible. Service needs take precedence.

Apprentices can continue to have their university day as a study day during academic breaks or holidays. This will enable them time to complete academic assignments, reading, portfolios etc. However, again, this must be in agreement with your manager and depends on the needs of the service at that time.

Apprentices are able to claim for travel, parking & mileage expenses in the normal way as course expenses. Travel can be challenging on clinical placements –there is the potential in certain situations to ask for pay advances if you are struggling with the delay in claiming expenses.

There will be additional occupational health checks for apprentices due to the placement requirements.  These processes differ with the different universities.

A peer support group for AHP apprentices meets every other month and is available, regardless of which University is attended.

Apprentices can also access support from the Basildon Healthcare Library services please contact the library at library@btuh.nhs.uk or phone 01268 524900 ext 3594 and also from Mid & South Essex Health Care Libraries https://www.mse.nhs.uk/libraries/

Each University & the Trust offer support for specific learning needs & assessments. These should be addressed as early as possible.

Each University & the Trust offer support for welfare needs, including mental health. 

Sick leave will have an effect on the apprenticeship, please ensure that the university and Heidi are aware if you are sick for any extended period, as certain processes need to be followed.