Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a job with substantial training. It’s a way for people of all ages to earn while they learn, gaining practical skills and knowledge.

Why become an apprentice?

During an apprenticeship, you will:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • learn job-specific skills
  • learn on the job and in classroom training
  • get a wage and holiday pay
  • get paid study time related to your role (equivalent to one day per week)
  • finish with industry-recognised qualifications.

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised training programmes and open to people from the age of 16. There’s no upper age limit. They’re a fantastic way to set yourself up for the future.

Contact details

Nikki Pryke is our Apprenticeship Lead. If you have any questions you can send Nikki an email at: rcht.apprenticeships@nhs.net.

What can I do an apprenticeship in?

At RCHT we offer a variety of apprenticeships for all our colleagues, and these are a selection:

  • Senior Healthcare Support Worker (Level 3)
  • Healthcare Science Associate (Level 4)
  • Diagnostic Radiographer (Level 6)
  • Therapeutic Radiographer (Level 6)
  • Dietician (Level 6)
  • Occupational Therapist (Level 6)
  • Operating Department Practitioner (Level 6)
  • Physiotherapist (Level 6)
  • Podiatrist (Level 6)
  • Speech and Language Therapist (Level 6)
  • Assistant Practitioner (Level 5)
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Level 7)
  • Business Administration Level 3
  • Data Technician Level 3
  • Team Leader Level 3
  • Operation/Department Manager Level 5
  • Chartered Manager Level 6
  • Senior Leader Level 7
  • Project Management Level 4 & 6

How does an apprenticeship work?

Most of the training is on-the-job, working with a mentor to learn job specific skills in the workplace. You’ll also learn with a training organisation – a college, training provider or university. Around 6 hours per week is off the job training.

Your training will depend on your role, but it may be delivered in the workplace, through ‘day release’ or away from the working environment.

When you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll have an independent assessment (known as an end-point assessment). This assessment will look at you to assess your skills, knowledge and behaviours, and make sure you can competently and confidently carry out the role to the required industry standards.

Levy Funds

We can now transfer a percentage of our levy funds to other employers enabling high-quality apprenticeships being delivered locally. Further information and how to apply for levy funds.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete depending on their level.

Apprenticeship levels and entry requirements

Intermediate level

Work-based learning towards level 2.
Equivalent to 5 GCSEs at Grade A.
Gives you entry to advanced level.

Advanced level

Work based learning towards level 3.
Equivalent to 2 A levels.
To apply you need five GCSEs at grade 5 or above or completion of an intermediate level apprenticeship.

Higher level

Higher level apprentices follow work-based learning towards levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above.
To start this level of apprenticeship, you should ideally have 2 A-levels or have completed an advanced level apprenticeship.

Degree level

Degree level apprentices follow work-based learning towards levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Apprenticeship vacancies

You can see our current apprenticeship vacancies here.

Page last reviewed: 28 November 2023

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