The NHS is set to create 100,000 apprenticeship opportunities – almost seven times the current number – for young people to work in the health sector by 2020, the Department of Health has announced.
The DH said the ‘commitment’ – among the specialisms being targeted is estates and facilities – followed the launch of a government consultation exercise on 25 January this year, and the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills’ and Department of Education’s publication of an accompanying document, Apprenticeship targets for public sector bodies; consultation.
The goal is apparently to make 2.3% of workers in large public sector bodies apprentices. Within the NHS, apprenticeships will be offered as nursing and healthcare assistants, as well as in IT, estates, and facilities, domestic and housekeeping services, and business administration and accounting.
Ministers says they ‘expect to boost the NHS apprenticeships programme’ with an estimated 17,000 new roles in 2015 to 2016.
Health Minister, Ben Gummer, said: “As one of the world’s largest employers, I am immensely proud that the NHS is leading the way in offering thousands of aspiring young people the opportunity to become an apprentice. We will work with Trusts across the country to improve access to a career in the healthcare system for anyone who has the drive and values to pursue it.
“This apprenticeship plan, along with the £10 billion we have invested to back the NHS’s own plans for the future, will ensure that staff have the opportunity to develop their careers in both existing, and also new and exciting, roles such as nursing associates. We can’t have a strong NHS without a strong economy, and this government is committed to creating more jobs and opportunities for Britain.”
The DH says the scheme will mean existing NHS staff ‘can have the opportunity to try a new role, or enhance their current role’. It added: “These apprenticeships also support the NHS commitment to widening participation and social mobility in broadening the routes into training and employment in the NHS, especially in attracting more young people and improving diversity within the workforce.”
Those wishing to submit views for the consultation – which are needed by 4 March, 2016 –should visit: http://tinyurl.com/hbv2yf8, or email: apprenticeshipslegislation@bis.gsi.gov.uk
