Apprenticeships: Fact Or Fiction?
Our Allied Health Professional apprentices helped us explore the common misconceptions around apprenticeships
Can you be too old to be an apprentice? Are apprenticeships only for new staff? Is there even an apprenticeship which suits your role?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for both new and existing staff, to grow and develop into their roles from within their workplaces. However, at Dynamic Training, we find that it is not uncommon to come across misconceptions about apprenticeships and who they are ideal for.
In order to address this, our team sat down with some of our learners on the Senior Healthcare Support Worker: Allied Health apprenticeship, to discuss their varied experiences with apprenticeships and address some of the frequent questions we hear about apprenticeships, to help inform and inspire other workplaces and staff about how apprenticeships can benefit them.
Watch The Full Interview
Can you be too old to be an apprentice?
Apprenticeships are for individuals of all ages and experiences. There is no age limit on apprentices. At Dynamic Training, we have worked with a wide variety of learners at different stages of their careers. Age is certainly not a barrier to becoming an apprentice!
Are apprentices only for new staff?
Apprentices are not simply for new starters looking to break into their career after leaving education. Existing staff can, and often do, enter onto an apprenticeship within their existing role as a way of growing and developing. This helps them take the next step in their careers, work towards further academic goals, and help bring new skills to their workplace, all within their existing role!
Do apprentices have to pay for their apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are completely free to the apprentice. The employer and the government fund the apprenticeship costs, meaning that apprenticeships are a cost-effective way of furthering both career and academic growth for the apprentice.
Are apprenticeships inferior to other forms of education?
Apprenticeships are no harder or easier than any other form of education. The only difference is how you learn. With apprenticeships, all of your learning takes place within the workplace, allowing for apprentices to balance their learning alongside practical work experience.
Do existing staff have to take a pay cut for an apprenticeship?
No. Apprentices are not required to reduce their wage in order to become an apprentice and will continue to be paid their existing salary for the length of their apprenticeship.
Is there an apprenticeship actually suited to my role?
There are a wide variety of apprenticeships available within the United Kingdom, across all sectors and industries. Apprenticeships are designed to suit a wide range of job roles and experience or academic levels.
You can always find the right apprenticeship from the Skills England website, or ask your employer or a training provider about what apprenticeship standard would be most appropriate for you.
Do apprenticeships take up time outside of work?
Apprenticeships take place during working hours, and do not require the apprentice to work during their personal time. Employers are required to provide their apprentices adequate study time during their normal working hours. This is referred to as Off-the-job (OTJ) training, which you can learn about on our website.
Are apprenticeships suitable for experienced staff?
Even if you are experienced within your role, you can still grow and learn new things. Apprenticeships help existing staff to not only learn new skills to bring to their roles, but also teach them new ways of learning and help improve organisational or communication skills.
Are English & Maths skills are barrier to apprenticeships?
English and maths are not a barrier to apprenticeships, and are no longer a required part of an apprenticeship for those aged 18 or older. Apprentices can, however, achieve qualifications in English and maths during an apprenticeship, ensuring that they develop practical working skills as part of their time as an apprentice.
You can learn more about functional skills on our website.
Do apprentices require too much support?
Apprentices require support from their line manager as part of their apprenticeship, ensuring that they are progressing, attending regular meetings with their skills and development coach, and providing them the necessary amount of off-the-job training. However, the apprentices we work with feel as though they work independently and do not require more support than their colleagues. The apprentice's skills and development coach helps to support the learner throughout the apprenticeship, and apprenticeships fit naturally into the apprentice's existing duties.
Do apprentices simply move on after completing an apprenticeship?
Many apprentices stay within their existing roles after completing their apprenticeship, as apprenticeships are a way for them to grow and progress within their roles. Apprenticeships can help improve staff loyalty, and give back to the workplace with the knowledge and skills which have been gained. Indeed, studies show that employers who invest in their staff's learning and development show lower staff turnover as a result.
Apprenticeship Overview
Level 3 | 21 Months (Including End Point Assessment)
The Allied Health Profession Therapy Support apprenticeship is a specialised programme aimed at staff within healthcare settings who are looking to enhance their capabilities in providing therapeutic support under the guidance of registered Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). This varied role covering clinical and therapeutic responsibilities that adapt to the unique needs of individuals facing illness, disability, or changes in life circumstances. The role is instrumental in helping people adapt and manage their conditions, whether through direct intervention or by educating and training carers and families.
All of the Apprenticeships and Workshops we offer are purpose-built with accessibility and inclusion in mind. You can view our apprenticeships, view our courses or contact us to find out more about how we can empower you or your workforce with apprenticeships or training programmes.
About Dynamic Training
Dynamic Training are an apprenticeship, adult education, and bespoke training specialist. Working with a diverse customer base across a variety of sectors, with a significant presence within the healthcare sector, we believe passionately in providing high-quality and inclusive education at all times, empowering both employers and employees to reach their aspirations.
Dynamic Training have an incredibly passionate and experienced team of coaches, with a diverse range of industry experiences, who aspire to deliver the very best training and support. We stand out from other training providers through our strong commitment to accessible education, as well as our prestige within the healthcare sector.
Dynamic Training are experts in Healthcare Education. Follow our blog for the latest industry news, insight and advice from industry experts.
Dynamic Training has an expert team of trainers delivering high-quality apprenticeships across the health, social care and business sectors, making sure you get the best out of your workforce.
Dynamic Training cares deeply about creating an inclusive and accessible enviroment for our learners. We have a proud record of getting the best out of every learner and adjusting our training to suit them.
Learn more about how Dynamic Training has provided a positive and inclusive learning environment.