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L5 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.

Key Information

  • Course Level

    Level 5

  • Duration

    The programme is usually delivered over two years.

  • Awarding Body

    Sheffield Hallam University


Apply or Enquire

Level 4 (120 Credits)

  • Work Based Learning One 40 Credits
  • Reflective and Personal Development 20 Credits
  • Essential Sciences for Person Centred Care 40 Credits
  • Integrated Holistic Assessment Delivery of Health and Social Care Interventions 20 Credits

Level 5 (120 Credits)

  • Work Based Learning Two 40 Credits including End Point Assessment
  • Using and Evaluating Evidence to Inform Practice 20 Credits
  • Promoting Health Wellbeing and Independence 40 Credits
  • Leadership and Management 20 Credits

Foundation Degree – The award incorporates a mix of innovative and traditional assessment types to monitor progress. Assessments will test attributes relevant for successful performance in the workplace, enabling learners to integrate academic learning and on-the-job training. Assessed tasks are variable and can include interviews, assessments of practice, reflective portfolios, written assignments, literature reviews, case studies and presentations.

End Point Assessment –

Observation with questions, an independent assessor will observe you (the apprentice) in your workplace.  You will complete your day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. This will allow you to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) through naturally occurring evidence. The independent assessor will ask questions after the observation. The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed. The independent assessor must ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the set number of questions for the observation.

Note: Simulation is not permitted during the observation. The observation and responses to questions will be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade for the observation of practice.

Professional discussion, both you (the apprentice) and the independent assessor will have a formal two-way conversation. The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue this can include video conferencing.

The independent assessor must ask at least 7 questions. You can refer to and illustrate your answers with evidence from your portfolio of evidence.

Portfolio of evidence: usually 14 separate pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB.

Evidence sources may include:

  • Expert witness testimonials
  • Written report of a case-based discussion
  • Written report of supporting an intervention
  • Teaching or advice and guidance resource developed by the apprentice
  • Clinical supervision reflection (relating to K21 and S21)
  • Work-based observation
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

Mapping document showing how the evidence provided meets the KSBs

Applicants must be in full-time employment and:

To meet the apprenticeship standard apprentices will be required to hold or achieve:

  • Minimum of Level 2 English
  • Minimum of Level 2 maths
  • Complete the 15 standards required by the Care Quality Commission
  • A regulated Level 5 Occupational Competence Qualification

Learners successfully completing the foundation degree will be able to apply for a number of professional courses and degree apprenticeships including:

  • BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult*, Child and Mental Health)
  • BSc (Honours) Applied Nursing and Social Work (Learning Disability)
  • BSc (Honours) Midwifery • BA (Honours) Social Work*
  • BSc (Honours) Physiotherapy*
  • BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography*
  • BSc (Honours) Occupational Therapy*
  • BSc (Honours) Paramedic Science*
  • BSc (Honours) Radiotherapy and Oncology
  • BSc (Honours) Operating Practice
  • BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care Studies

The above degrees marked with an asterisk (*) will allow entry with advanced standing, meaning applicants can join the second year of the degree.

The BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care Studies provides a route to achieving a full honours degree within one year after completion of the foundation degree.

Financial Support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Course Fees

UK

Cost of the Apprenticeship

If you are an employer with a pay bill of more than £3 million, you’re required to pay the apprenticeship levy. You can manage funds using the apprenticeship service and spend it on training and assessing your apprentices.

Can’t access the levy?

No problem, our business development officers can facilitate you in accessing the apprenticeship for as little as £700

 

Enquire about this course

To find out more and apply for this course, please contact us via the telephone number below.

Make an enquiry Call 01724 294125