Information for health apprentices

How apprenticeships work

An apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on training with classroom-based or online learning. Apprentices are employees who earn a wage whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are a good option for anyone looking to learn new knowledge and skills and enhance their career prospects whilst earning a salary.  

The University of Sheffield does not recruit directly to apprenticeship courses. Instead apprenticeships are advertised locally in partnership organisations and applications are made via their recruitment processes.

If you’re interested in doing a healthcare apprenticeship, we recommend looking at apprenticeship vacancies listed on GOV.UK’s ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ service, NHS Jobs or other recruitment websites. You can also use UCAS to search for apprenticeship job vacancies. 

If you already work at a healthcare organisation, we’d encourage you to speak to your employer about your career aspirations and any development opportunities they can offer. Your employer can contact us at ahpnm-apprenticeships@sheffield.ac.uk for more information about the apprenticeship programmes we offer.

It sounds really cheesy but I really love going to the University of Sheffield! I’ve had a really good experience on both of the apprenticeship courses. Of course there's been times when things have been challenging, but my teachers have just been outstanding. There’s just a great respect between teachers and the students. They view us as professionals, and it’s been like that from day one.”

Laura Moorcroft

Student Nursing Associate graduate and Nursing apprentice

Eligibility

Apprentices need to meet a number of entry requirements set out by the University and the GOV.UK website which are outlined below:

Minimum hours of employment

You must be employed within a partnership organisation who will support your apprenticeship for a minimum number of hours per week (this is usually a minimum of 30 hours, but varies depending on the apprenticeship programme).

Off the job training

All apprentices are required to undertake 20% off-the-job training. This is a statutory requirement for all apprenticeships in England. Off the job training must take place during an apprentices normal working hours. The provider must ensure that the off the job training delivers new knowledge skills and behaviours.

Interviews

Applicants that are successful in the initial shortlisting process for an apprenticeship vacancy will be invited to attend an interview. Recruitment, shortlisting and interviews will be organised by the partnership organisation with support from the University and service users.

English and maths skills

• Certified evidence of English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or a university-accepted equivalent.
• Certified evidence of Maths GCSE grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or a university-accepted equivalent.

Disclose and Barring Service (DBS)

All applicants who are offered and accept a place on one of our apprenticeship programmes are required to undergo an enhanced with barred list Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (including children and adults) in order to study with us.

Health clearance

If you are infected with hepatitis C or HIV, or if you have a disability, medical condition or learning difficulty, including dyslexia, you must disclose this on your application form. All potential apprentices with support needs will be individually assessed to ensure you are supported on your apprenticeship.

As part of the application process your employer will make sure that you have undertaken relevant health screening known as an Occupational Health Check. This is to ensure that you meet the Fitness to Study standards detailed on the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance and are in accordance with the Department of Health National Guidelines. 

We offer support to apprentices with additional needs, for example, through the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service or Student and Academic Services. You can find out more about the network of support services we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

Digital learning technologies

You must demonstrate the ability to use digital technology prior to commencing your apprenticeship. Once you are appointed you will be given a link to a free digital learning and testing site where you will complete the "basic computer skills" package and submit the certificate as evidence.

Programme specific entry requirements

As well as the above eligibility requirements, our apprenticeship programmes will have different entry requirements depending on the level of the apprenticeship and the subject being studied. Specific entry requirements can be found on each individual apprenticeship prospectus page.

I have a workplace mentor who I meet with once a week to discuss elements of my caseload as well as the needs of my apprenticeship. I also have a personal tutor from the University of Sheffield who I meet with every 8-10 weeks alongside my workplace mentor. Together we identify any gaps in my knowledge and decide on targets to work on over the next 8-10 weeks.

Suzanne Brigden

Speech and Language Therapy apprentice

The benefits of an apprenticeship

Earn while you learn

An apprenticeship allows you to earn a salary whilst you learn, meaning you can improve your career prospects without needing to take a study break. Apprenticeships are also funded by the government or your employer so you won’t need to pay tuition fees or take out a student loan to get a higher level qualification.

Applied learning

Our apprenticeship programmes blend on-the-job training with university study days, which means you can put your new skills and knowledge into practice from day one and make a positive difference to patients.

Access world-leading research

Studying at Sheffield means you’ll be able to access the latest knowledge, skills and facilities from a top, Russell Group university. We incorporate the latest, world-leading research into our curriculum and you’ll be able to bring this learning back to your workplace to upskill colleagues and improve patient care.

Dedicated apprenticeships team

We have a dedicated health apprenticeships team who are on-hand to support you throughout the length of your apprenticeship; from regular check-ins from our clinical educators to tripartite reviews with your employer.

University wellbeing and support services

As well as dedicated apprenticeship support, you can also access other University-level services throughout your studies, including counselling and mental health support, our 301: Academic Skills Centre, and specialist disability and dyslexia support.

As a mature student having financial responsibilities has always been a barrier to continuing further education. The apprenticeship route offers the safety net of reducing any financial difficulties and once completed, guarantees a qualified position.

Sam Thinnesen

Speech and Language Therapy apprentice