What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can be an excellent way of ensuring that we all have the skills and knowledge we need to deliver our strategy both internally and externally across BSW. There are different levels of apprenticeship from intermediate (Level 2, equivalent to five GCSE passes (grades 4 and above)); advanced (Level 3); to higher (Level 4, 5) and degree levels (Level 6, 7). Level 2 is usually 12 – 18 months; Level 3 is usually 18 – 48 months and Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree) are usually 24+ months in length. They can be a real solution to workforce and skills shortages.
We know that young people are increasingly looking for good apprenticeship work opportunities so apprenticeships can be a great way of widening participation and supporting a ‘step in’ to our organisation for those new to the NHS. They can also enable existing staff to continue their development, achieve career aspirations and support staff to acquire new skills.
That said, apprenticeships are not a quick fix – they vary in length from approximately 12 months to 3 years generally and require release of staff to train (called off the job training (OTJT)). Each apprenticeship standard now has its own unique requirement for OTJT hours per week. They require the support and dedication of both apprentice and manager to be truly successful.
Anyone over the age of 16, who is not in full time education, can apply to be an apprentice, but anyone can start an apprenticeship at any point in their life, whatever their age, background or career level.
Apprenticeships enable employers to select the most relevant apprenticeship for the requirements of the job role, therefore providing a clearly defined progression pathway. Once they’ve reached the end of the apprenticeship programme, another organisation called the End Point Assessment organisation will assess the apprentice, using two tests, and provide a final grade.
You can read more about this here.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships help instil a culture of learning, improvement and reflection throughout the organisation. Skills are increased, as numbers trained and qualified in their roles increases.
All staff are able to identify possible development opportunities, relevant to their role and therefore enhance their well-being and career opportunities. Staff retention is therefore improved, as staff feel valued and respected.
A high quality workforce, which contributes to the organisation’s priorities, the vision, three core principles and five core values of the NHS long term plan and CQC requirements.
The BSW Apprenticeship Network consists of training or HR representatives for health and social care organisations engaging with apprenticeships. Working collaboratively, the network identifies the best quality apprenticeship education providers capable of delivering apprenticeships at a local level across BSW. The network also shares apprenticeship expertise and best practice.
Funding
Funding of apprenticeships is via the Growth and Skills Levy (formerly known as the Apprenticeship Levy) and the funding rules are regularly updated, so for the most up-to-date information visit the Gov.uk website.
The BSW Apprenticeship Network is now able to support GP Surgeries in applying for a Levy Transfer to pay for apprenticeship programmes, both clinical and non-clinical. Please see links below regarding the application process and relevant forms for completion.
Levy Transfer Application Form (updated Jan 2024)
Levy Transfer Application Process (updated March 2025)
Levy Transfer FAQs (updated March 2025)
Levy Transfer – SLA and Structure v6.0 (updated March 2025)
URN / Order Form – Apprenticeships Procurement (updated July 2025)
Potential to transfer an apprenticeship if needed.
Is it the right time for me to start an apprenticeship?
Things to consider:
Following the national announcements in March 2025 regarding changes to ICBs, it is important to think about the impact any changes to your employment might have on an apprenticeship. Whilst the ICB continues to support and encourage personal and professional development during this period of uncertainty, there are some things for you to consider that will be relevant to your individual circumstances.
Apprenticeships can vary in length, but most of them are longer than 6 months, and therefore any apprenticeship commenced from April 2025 onwards, is likely to continue after the changes to ICBs take effect. It is possible to transfer your apprenticeship to another employer, but you would need to discuss this as part of recruitment and onboarding processes.
It is important to think about the apprenticeship you wish to undertake, as doing something that is specifically linked to your current role, may not be easily transferrable to other roles or opportunities you explore if your role is impacted by the changes. The important thing to remember is that you must be employed to undertake an apprenticeship* so if you are considering a break in employment, it may not be the right time for you to commence an apprenticeship.
* You may be able to complete if you have less than 6 months left to go or have completed 75% or more.
You may also need to consider what would happen if you needed to stop your apprenticeship before it was concluded and start another apprenticeship later. Whilst you can apply for more than one apprenticeship, there is a restriction that you can’t do this via the same qualification at the same level.
There is lots of information available to help you with your decision and some resources are listed below to get you started, but it is important to do as much research as possible to help you decide what is right for you.
Can I Move Apprenticeship to A New Employer?
Redundancy support for apprentices – GOV.UK
Further Resources
Skills for Health regularly updates their website with apprenticeship details as well as training providers. Visit the Skills for Health website here. If you would like to know how apprenticeships could benefit your specific organisation, please send us an email via our contact us page.
Apprenticeships that support public health
Apprenticeships in Primary and Social Care Information Pack
Apprenticeship options for Dental
Apprenticeship options for Nursing
Apprenticeship options for Pharmacy
Apprenticeship options for Allied Health Professionals
Apprenticeship Standards – Employer Access Guide
BSW Apprenticeship Myth Busting Sheet – Employers (September 2025)
Case Study Booklet – Apprenticeships in Primary Care
