New apprenticeships in Wales to increase number of OTs, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists

Two new apprenticeship frameworks have been developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), Skills for Health and Welsh health boards and trusts to train more assistant practitioners to work in healthcare support roles and healthcare therapy areas.

These new apprenticeship initiatives support the Welsh Government’s aim to deliver effective patient-centred healthcare by investing in the skills of the whole pharmacy workforce.

Starting in early 2020, the apprenticeships will help learners gain new skills needed to carry out roles in healthcare support and healthcare therapy as well as preparing them for future employment and career progression.

Training will be available for occupational therapists (OTs), physiotherapists and speech and language therapy services, amongst others.

Stephen Griffiths, Nursing Director of HEIW, said: “These new frameworks have been developed to meet the needs of the healthcare science workforce in Wales and support the broad vision of the sector to develop an increasingly skilled, flexible and effective workforce while maintaining high quality and safe care for patients. We are pleased this work has now come to fruition and are looking forward to supporting staff in NHS Wales to engage in this apprenticeship.”

For assistant practitioners currently working within life sciences, physics, clinical biomedical engineering and the physiological sciences services, specific training will also be delivered in these areas.

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is a special health authority within NHS Wales and plays a key role in the education, training, development, and shaping of the healthcare workforce in Wales.

Its key functions include education and training, workforce development and modernisation, leadership development, strategic workforce planning, workforce intelligence, careers, and widening access.