This flexible foundation degree apprenticeship combines classroom learning with practical experience, helping you build the skills and confidence needed in health and social care sector.
of students were positive about the teaching on the course
of students agree the course developed the knowledge and skills needed for their future
Overview
The Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship is designed for employers who want to grow their workforce and for individuals ready to take the next step in their health and social care career.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a health or care setting for a minimum of 30 hours per week and supported by your employer to undertake the apprenticeship. You’ll earn as you learn, with your course fees paid by your employer, allowing you to develop professionally without taking time out of work.
The course combines university-based learning with work-based development, so new knowledge, skills and behaviours can be applied directly in practice. Teaching focuses on person-centred, evidence-based care, strong professional values and effective teamwork, helping apprentices build confidence and capability within multidisciplinary settings.
For employers, the apprenticeship offers a structured, flexible way to develop skilled Assistant Practitioners who can meet service needs, enhance quality of care and contribute more confidently to their teams. At the University of Worcester, we work with you to tailor the training programme so it supports both individual development and organisational priorities.
Pathways
Apprentices follow a defined pathway that aligns with their job role and the needs of their employer:
- Assistant Practitioner
- Assistant Practitioner (Occupational Therapy)
- Assistant Practitioner (Physiotherapy)
- Assistant Practitioner (Nutrition and Dietetics)
These pathways are mapped to allow progression onto health courses such as Nursing (Adult) BSc, Nursing (Mental Health) BSc, Nutrition and Dietetics BSc, Physiotherapy BSc and Occupational Therapy BSc (subject to application and selection).
Course content
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Year 2 module options support progression onto allied health professions courses. For Apprentices, the module you take will be dependent on the pathway you are completing.
Careers
On completion, apprentices are well prepared for Assistant Practitioner roles, working with increasing autonomy while remaining part of a multidisciplinary team. These roles can be found in a variety of health and social care contexts including:
- NHS Services
- Care services
- Advice and guidance services
- Police and probation
- Advocacy and rights-based services
- Preventative health, care and welfare services
- Housing support services
Many also use the course as a stepping stone into leadership roles, building a long-term career that makes a real difference. Others progress onto a health profession course to become a:
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Nutritionist
- Dietitian
- Registered Nurse
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and assessment contents
The Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship enables all apprentices to become autonomous learners. The course is designed to support apprentices of varying experiences, needs and background; to develop key/transferable skills and to disseminate good practice in learning and teaching. To achieve this we closely monitor the quality of your experience while training.
You are taught through a combination of:
- Health and care experience in your employing organisation.
- Tutor-led workshops, lectures, seminars, skills and simulations and guest lectures, primarily to introduce underpinning knowledge, theoretical argument, practical skills, central issues, key texts, and inter-professional fields of study.
- Participation in high level professional discussion, peer presentations and debate, to encourage you to actively engage with and critically challenge the field.
- Directed studies and problem-solving tasks provide opportunities to develop approaches that will deepen levels of understanding and professional judgement; development of practice-based competence and skills of critical reflection through guided individual mentoring during placements.
- One-to-one academic and personal tutorial support including access to our first class Firstpoint services.
In addition, there are regular opportunities throughout the year to meet with your personal tutor, where you will have the opportunity to talk about your academic progress, school experience, support with careers and applications.
Entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, including Access to HE Diplomas. We also take into account any work or life experiences you have, alongside any qualifications you hold.
You’ll need to apply for this course through your employer, with their support. Individuals cannot apply directly to the University.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
Fees for this apprenticeship will be paid by the employer, through apprenticeship funding via the Skills and Growth Levy.
How to apply
How to apply contents
All applications are through your employer, and you must have the support of your employer. Please discuss the possibility of completing the apprenticeship with your line manager and/or HR department. Your employer can then contact the University to discuss applying to the programme.
Individuals cannot apply directly to the University.
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Apprenticeships team
apprenticeships@worc.ac.ukMore to explore
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