Leeds City College one of five national providers to be awarded new healthcare apprenticeship standard

The new 15 month Level 2 apprenticeship is aimed at cleaning operatives in health and social care settings and will bridge the skills gap in the sector.

With the recent coronavirus pandemic, the new programme comes at an opportune time, where it will not only target over 700,000 students who are leaving education, but create critical roles within the healthcare industry as the country comes out of lockdown.

Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships at Leeds City College said: “This new apprenticeship  is an exciting development for the college in delivering highly-skilled apprentices who will shape the health and social care sector.

“Delivering the future health and care workforce is one of our key priorities. It is wonderful to work with so many passionate and knowledgeable people to develop the aims and strategy to ensure this standard fits in to our wider apprenticeship offering. It will also mean growing sufficient numbers within the sector through quality education and training.”

The programme will provide apprentices with the opportunity to work in a range of healthcare settings that require specific attention to safety and sanitation in both the public and private sectors, including NHS hospitals, private hospitals, care homes (nursing and residential), GP practices, community health centres, educational establishments, leisure facilities and pharmaceutical retail outlets.

As part of the government’s recent announcement, businesses are being given £2,000 for every under-25 year old they take on as an apprentice to help protect young people entering the workforce. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment for new apprentices between the ages of 16-18.