I work part time. Can I still do an apprenticeship?
For programmes delivered In-House, Yes - if your manager agrees that they can support your apprenticeship with reduced hours (less than 30 hours per week). This may be dependent on the capacity of your team or ward or your shift pattern. For example, staff who only work nights may find it difficult to have sufficient learning opportunities in their role to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship. The minimum number of hours we can accept onto an apprenticeship is 22.5 hours per week.
What happens if I already have a Level 3 Healthcare qualification?
We will review any certificates you already hold to determine duplication. If these exempt you from our apprenticeship programme, you will be signposted to alternative training. Where previous qualifications are similar but not a direct match, it may be that your apprenticeship is shortened slightly to take into account your prior learning.
What percentage of my working time is allocated to my apprenticeship?
You will need to meet a set minimum number of ‘off-the-job’ (OTJ) training hours, which is time spent learning knowledge and skills to progress your apprenticeship. For a full-time member of staff, this equates to around 6 hours a week, but when this happens will be agreed with your manager and built around service needs. OTJ includes learning activities that happen in your workplace, such as being shown new skills or applying what you’ve learnt, as well as study time for e.g. assignment writing, research and coaching.
Will my learning support needs be considered?
Yes – we will review any support needs during initial assessment and explore whether you would benefit from a tailored support plan. This includes using Cognassist, a learning‑diversity assessment tool to identify your strengths and any areas where you may benefit from extra support.
Will I need to do functional skills classes as part of my apprenticeship?
If you are aged 19+ and do not hold a Level 2 English and maths qualification, Functional Skills is optional and will be based on a joint decision between your employer who will confirm whether you need these. If it is agreed that you will undertake Functional Skills, your manager must release you to attend these classes, which is in addition to the required OTJ time. You must attempt the Functional Skills assessments, but you do not need to pass them to complete your apprenticeship. Functional Skills may still be required if your job role or sector standards mandate a minimum level of English and/or maths qualification. If you need to achieve more than one qualification, you will need to begin your Functional Skills classes before starting your apprenticeship. If you are aged 16–18 and do not hold a Level 2 English and maths qualification, you are required to complete these as part of your apprenticeship.
I have Maths and English qualifications from oversees. Do I need to do the level 2 classes and exam?
If you provide certificate evidence of your qualifications from oversees, we can request for a conversion which will confirm whether one or both are equivalent and can exempt you from Level 2 Functional Skills classes.
I have Maths and English level 2 qualifications. Do I still need to do the initial assessment?
Yes – all apprentices must complete an initial assessment in English and maths as part of enrolment, so we can understand your starting point, identify any support you may need, and ensure your skills are stretched and challenged to support your career development. You will need to provide evidence of your English and maths qualifications so we can confirm that you do not need to opt in to Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship.
