AHEAD of National Apprenticeship Week, PMA has been recognising the pivotal role that apprenticeships play in shaping the future of healthcare professionals.
There are a wide range of apprenticeships available right across the healthcare sector, now including higher and degree level apprenticeships.
PMA has placed hundreds of apprentices – of all ages – into health and social care settings right across the country, offering a winning combination of hands-on experience and structured learning.
Sarah Burrows, PMA Chief Education Officer, said “These apprenticeships not only help in addressing skills shortages – they’re also a great way of attracting new talent, upskilling existing staff, and retaining the workforce.
“There is also a myth that apprenticeships are for school-leavers, or those at the bottom of the ladder. But in actual fact, the vast majority of apprenticeships are for people who are already employed – and they can lead all the way up to management and senior levels.”
According to government statistics, almost half of all apprenticeships (48%) started in 2022/23 were by people aged 25 and over, while 23% were aged under 19 and 29% were aged between 19 and 24.
Eve Worthington, 27, works at Beech Hill Medical Practice in Wigan. She completed her PMA Level 3 Teamleading programme in 18 months and said the course had a huge impact on her confidence.
“I’d encourage those who have just been promoted to leadership roles to enrol on this particular course,” said Eve. “Unlike other managerial courses, this programme was specifically catered to those working within primary care. The coaching sessions allowed learners to discuss their scenarios and bounce ideas off each other.
“It was refreshing learning with others in the same position as myself. The course was extremely beneficial to the way in which I work, and I have much more confidence in my abilities as a result.”
Another ‘myth’ is that apprentices don’t earn much money but, in the long term, the potential to earn is huge – particularly as you are learning on the job.
Apprentices are also much more likely to get promoted too – dispelling the myth about a lack of career progression.
To see the list of free PMA webinars throughout National Apprenticeship Week, go to https://pma-uk.org/pma-webinars/
Notes to Editors
- PMA provide professional recognition, progressive development and career pathway support for non-clinicians. For more details, visit: https://pma-uk.org/ or call 0330 111 6459
- Image attached: Eve Worthington
- For further details – or photos – related to this press release, please email catherinelawler@pma-uk.org