Monday 10th February 2025
Gloucestershire Primary Care Training Hub are supporting National Apprenticeship Week! #NAW2025
Throughout the week we will be showcasing why Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for your Practice/PCN, highlighting the variety of different types of Apprenticeships available and signposting to various resources. Resources will include lived examples, case studies, next steps and how to embark on/recruit into an Apprenticeship.
There is an Apprenticeship opportunity for everyone!
The below image busts some of the common myths around Apprenticeships!
Tuesday 11th February 2025
Today we are highlighting Clinical Apprenticeship opportunities available within Primary Care to consider!
Are you interested in finding out more? Further information can be found on the Skills for Life Website here – https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/primary-care-apprenticeships/ and also on the dedicated Apprenticeships Page on our website – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/apprenticeships
Tracey Carruthers – Advanced Practice Apprentice was one of our winners of 2024 and has since provided us with the below update.
“Commencing the advanced practitioner apprenticeship programme has been one of the best decisions for developing my nursing career. I have received robust support and guidance, and provided the tools to excel, both practically and academically, across all four pillars of advanced practice. This has shown to benefit not only the patients within my practice, but also my team, and my own value as an autonomous practitioner. I have gained a new sense of curiosity, awareness and reasoning skills to reflect and innovate within general practice. I look forward to future learning and sharing education to improve the quality of care in today’s ever growing health service.”
If you would like to hear more about our amazing winners from 2024, please click here – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/uncategorised/gloucestershire-primary-care-training-hub-apprenticeship-awards-2024?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06bthBJ2DcAcBHH1c2hrlNdHidfys8Zk5pupiyrnbQHgqw5P0UsCgH7KI_aem_2tbfJXWNXyV7WITQgLjSDA
Today we are highlighting Clinical Apprenticeship opportunities and would like to shine a spotlight on Student Nursing Associates !
Hannah Gannon – Practice Education Facilitator has shared the below information with us, and the Primary Care Nursing Career Pathway. Below can also be found several case studies from Student Nursing Associates, sharing their individual experiences.
“An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to grow and develop the future workforce.
If you are currently working as a Health Care Assistant or are a GP Practice who employ a Health Care Assistant who would like to pursue a career in Nursing, there is a two year student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme which provides the opportunity to train and become a registered Nursing Associate. A Nursing Associate bridges the gap between a Health Care Assistant and a Registered Nurse.
The apprenticeship allows for the blend of on-the-job training and learning from the university, to gain a recognised qualification.
The University Fees can be applied for through the Government Apprenticeship Levy.
If you would like to discuss this exciting opportunity in more detail, please contact Hannah Gannon hannah.gannon2@nhs.net / Heather Brooks heather.brooks3@nhs.net”
Wednesday 12th February 2025
We are highlighting Non-Clinical Apprenticeship opportunities available within Primary Care to consider!
Are you interested in finding out more? Further information can be found on the Skills for Life Website here – https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/primary-care-apprenticeships/ and also on the dedicated Apprenticeships Page on our website – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/apprenticeships
Kent and Medway Training Hub – https://kmpctraininghub.nhs.uk/
have produced the fantastic following video on a Business Administration Apprenticeship – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWu3hhVuCrY
Frimley Training Hub – https://frimleytraininghub.co.uk/
have produced the following fantastic videos:
Frimley Training Hub, webinar on Digital and Quality Apprenticeships in Primary care
Frimley Training Hub webinar on Management and Leadership Apprenticeships in Primary Care
Primary Care Business Administrator Apprentice – short case study
Thursday 13th February 2025
Today is T Level Thursday ! Below key information on T Levels can be found. If you would like further information please contact us – glicb.pcwc@nhs.net.
What is a T-Level?
T-Levels (Technical Levels) are two-year qualifications in England designed for students aged 16–19. They are equivalent to three A-Levels and provide a mix of classroom learning and industry experience, preparing students for skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education. They include:
1. Industry-Focused Curriculum
o T-Levels are developed with input from employers to ensure students gain the skills needed in specific industries.
o Subjects include healthcare, digital, business, construction, and more.
2. 80% Classroom Learning + 20% Industry Placement
o Students spend around 80% of their time in the classroom learning theory and practical skills.
o The remaining 20% is spent on a work placement (a minimum of 315 hours or approximately 45 days) with an employer.
3. Equivalent to 3 A-Levels
o T-Levels provide UCAS points, making them suitable for students who want to progress to university.
o Example: A T-Level Distinction* is worth the same as three A*s at A-Level.
4. Pathways After T-Levels
o Direct entry into skilled employment.
o Progression to a higher apprenticeship.
o University study (many universities accept T-Levels).
Example T-Level Courses Relevant to GPs:
• T-Level in Health – Prepares students for roles in healthcare settings, including general practices.
• T-Level in Business Administration – Can support GP practices with admin, patient records, and reception work.
• T-Level in Digital – Helps with IT systems, digital patient records, and cybersecurity in healthcare.
How can a T-level student benefit your practice?
1. Workforce Support
• T-Level students can assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, patient record management, and reception duties, reducing the burden on GPs and staff.
• In healthcare-related placements, they can support nurses and healthcare assistants with non-clinical duties.
2. Fresh Talent Pipeline
• T-Levels provide students with hands-on experience, making them potential future employees for the NHS or private healthcare practices.
• Practices can identify and train young talent early, ensuring they are well-prepared for healthcare roles.
3. Improved Patient Experience
• Students can help with patient engagement, such as digital check-ins, appointment reminders, and assisting elderly or disabled patients with technology.
• They can contribute to community outreach programs, promoting public health initiatives.
4. Support for Digital Transformation
• T-Level students, being digital natives, can support GPs in implementing and managing digital health records, online booking systems, and telemedicine services.
5. Cost-Effective Workforce Solution
• Hosting T-Level students allows access to additional support at minimal cost, as the students are on industry placements rather than full-time employees.
6. Contribution to Training & Education
• By mentoring students this contributes to the future of healthcare, ensuring that young professionals enter the field with relevant skills and experience.
• Practices and placements will have the opportunity to engage with colleges to help them shape their curriculum to meet the needs of the current and future workforce
• It can help those looking to develop their own coaching, mentoring or management skills.
T-Levels Podcast and Case Studies
T-Level Podcast – To access a newly released T-Level Podcast from Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust, please click here. The Podcast features two T-Level students sharing their placement experiences at Gloucestershire Hospitals.
T-Level Apprentices Case Studies: To access the Case Studies, please click here.
Friday 14th February 2025
As National Apprenticeship Week 2025 #NAW2025 comes to an end we would like to highlight next steps that can be taken if you would like to recruit a/embark onto an Apprenticeship and bring together the information shared throughout the week.
To access all information shared throughout the week please click – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/apprenticeship-week-resources-2025
Did you know that we also have a dedicated Apprenticeship page on our website? To access this webpage please click – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/apprenticeships
Reminder: Applications for the Apprenticeship Awards 2025 are open, providing opportunity to highlight your apprentices’ achievement and successes – full information can be accessed here – https://glosprimarycare.co.uk/news/primary-care-apprenticeships-awards-2025
We will shortly be actioning a baseline survey, to gain an understanding of the position within our system, around apprenticeships. We will be emailing Practice Managers shortly to encourage participation.
Celebrating Our Primary Care SNA Apprenticeship Award Nominees!
We’re incredibly proud to share that two of our Primary Care SNAs, Natasha Eyre from Cleevelands Medical Practice, Bishops Cleeve and Lauren Hayden from Forest Health Care were nominated for Apprenticeship Awards at Gloucestershire University last week! 🎉
Their dedication to nursing and commitment to improving patient care have been rightfully recognised. These nominations highlight the hard work, passion, and impact they bring to Primary Care in Gloucestershire and the patients they care for.
A huge congratulations to both nominees—your efforts truly make a difference!
