Health sector apprentice numbers rise by one-third

The number of people beginning health apprenticeships in England has risen by nearly a third, according to new figures published by Skills for Health.

The analysis of apprenticeship performance for 2008-09 – the most recent year for which full figures covering the apprenticeships frameworks managed by Skills for Health are available – shows that total new starts reached 3,096 in 2008-09, compared with 2,230 in 2007-08, an increase of 28 per cent. The figures, which include apprenticeships within the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors, also show that the proportion of health apprentices who successfully completed their training rose for a third consecutive year, to 74 per cent – 10 percentage points above the national average. Healthcare support roles accounted for the largest overall number of new health apprenticeship starts during 2008-09. However, the fastest year-on-year growth in apprenticeship numbers was among pharmacy technicians and dental nurses, where new starts rose sharply. These increases follow the introduction of statutory regulation for both occupational groups during 2009, which is believed to have encouraged more trainees to follow an apprenticeship as a means of acquiring professional accreditation. Skills for Health chief executive John Rogers said: “These figures are very encouraging and a testament to the hard work of the many trainees who have taken up apprenticeships within the health sector. “They also show that more and more employers are realising that apprenticeships offer a realistic workforce development solution which supports new ways of delivering services and improving patient care.” Richard Marsh, Employer Service Director and Health lead, National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The Health sector is one of great importance for the country and it is great to see its renewed commitment to Apprenticeships really taking off. Health employers are realising great benefits from the employment of apprentices and those they employ are embarking on valuable and varied careers.” Skills for Health is actively promoting take-up of apprenticeships within the health sector and offers a range of materials, advice and guidance to help employers implement successful programmes. These include online resources with a database of more than 80 apprenticeships now available within healthcare. For further information, see www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/apprenticeships ENDS Media contacts: Dominic Moody, Press & PR Manager Tel. 0117 910 3853, mobile 0776 818 8994 dominic.moody@skillsforhealth.org.uk Notes to editors 1. Analysis of Skills Funding Agency data covering Skills for Health apprenticeship frameworks for the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors, undertaken by SCALE consultants on behalf of Skills for Health, May 2010. For a copy of the report ‘Apprenticeship Performance Analysis for Skills for Health’ please visit http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/~/media/Resource-Library/PDF/Executive-Summary-Apprenticeship-Performance-Analysis-for-Skills-for-Health.ashx 2. The four apprenticeship frameworks covered by the Skills for Health footprint are 236 Health & Social Care (Health); 287 Pharmacy Technicians; 315 Dental Nursing; and 319 Support Services in Healthcare. For these four frameworks, key figures are as follows: Apprenticeship starts (England) 2008-09 3,096 2007-08 2,230 Starts by framework 236 Health & Soc. Care 287 Pharmacy Technicians 315 Dental Nursing 319 Support Services in Healthcare 2008-09 1,054 344 194 1,504 2007-08 856 87 17 1,273 Success rates 2008-09 74 per cent 2007-08 64 per cent 2006-07 60 per cent 3. Skills for Health is the Sector Skills Council for the UK healthcare sector, encompassing the National Health Services, independent healthcare providers and voluntary organisations. It offers a range of proven tools, products and services to help employers deliver a skilled, flexible and productive workforce to improve health and health care. For further information, see www.skillsforhealth.org.uk