The Skills Development Network Foundation Apprenticeship was established in 2015 since when more than 250 apprentices have been recruited with high rates of retention and achievement.
The Foundation Programme is an entry-level apprenticeship pathway into the NHS, the UK’s biggest employer. Alongside great development and progression opportunities an excellent package is on offer including:
Following the incredible success of the scheme to date, with the ongoing support from NHS organisations and Digital, Finance and Procurement teams, applications for the next cohort of apprentices will be open from January 2025 for a place commencing in September 2025.
Further information one each of the three available pathways ie. Accounting, Digital and Procurement can be found below.
The Foundation Apprenticeship is a programme aimed at school and college leavers supporting health service employers to develop the workforce of the future.
The 24-month Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is intended for individuals commencing roles within a Finance function; typical job roles include Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk, Finance Assistant etc.
Download the Foundation Accountancy Apprenticeship overview (PDF 233kb)
Download Job Description & Person Specification (PDF 181kb)
What the Programme Includes
Development
Support
What the Learning Involves
On programme apprentices will be provided with training on the following AAT units:
As well as classroom learning apprentices will be expected to undertake independent study in order to adequately prepare them for the exam at the end of each unit.
What End Point Assessment (EPA) Entails
The purpose of the EPA is to assess an apprentice’s competency in the role.
Apprentices are put forward for EPA when they have:
The EPA consists of the following components:
On completion a final grade of either Pass or Distinction is awarded to recognise achievement.
In addition to the L3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship individuals who successfully complete the programme will also gain the AAT L2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and L3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
How Long the Programme Takes
The programme takes 24 months to complete during which time apprentices are employed by a lead employer on a fixed term contract.
What Apprentices are Paid
Apprentices are paid National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 18-20 year olds ie. £10.00/hour or £19,554/per annum unless aged 21 or above when they will receive the adult rate of £12.21/hour.
In addition, apprentices are enrolled as student members of AAT whilst on programme and are also reimbursed for any training related travel costs incurred.
Progression Opportunities Available
On completion apprentices can progress on to the L4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship and ultimately the L7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship incorporating professional qualifications.
The Network’s Foundation Apprenticeship is a programme aimed at school and college leavers supporting health service employers to develop the workforce of the future.
The 21-month Level 3 Digital Apprenticeship is intended for individuals commencing roles within a variety of digital teams; typical job roles include Service Desk/1st Line Support Technician, Junior Data Analyst or Junior Application Developer.
Download the Foundation Digital Apprenticeship overview (PDF 264kb)
Download Job Description & Person Specification (Digital Apprentice Data) (PDF 184kb)
Download Job Description & Person Specification (Digital Apprentice ICT Support) (PDF 189kb)
What the Programme Includes
Development
Support
What the Learning Involves
As well as classroom learning apprentices will be expected to undertake independent study in order to adequately prepare them for any exam/assessment at the end of each unit.
What End Point Assessment (EPA) Entails
The purpose of the EPA is to assess an apprentice’s competency in the role.
Apprentices are put forward for EPA when they have:
The EPA consists of the following components:
On completion a final grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction is awarded to recognise achievement.
In addition to the L3 Apprenticeship individuals who successfully complete the programme will also gain various vendor qualifications which may include BCS, City & Guilds, MOS and MTA.
How Long the Programme Takes
The programmes takes 21 months to complete during which time apprentices are employed by a lead employer on a fixed term contract.
What Apprentices are Paid
Apprentices are paid National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 18-20 year olds ie. £10.00/hour or £19,554/per annum unless aged 21 or above when they will receive the adult rate of £12.21/hour.
In addition, apprentices are also reimbursed for any training related travel costs incurred.
Progression Opportunities Available
On completion apprentices can progress on to a relevant L4 Digital Apprenticeship and/or ultimately to study at degree level undertaking either a L6 or L7 Apprenticeship.
The Foundation Apprenticeship is a programme aimed at school and college leavers supporting health service employers to develop the workforce of the future.
The 24-month Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assistant Apprenticeship is intended for individuals commencing roles within a Procurement function; typical job roles include Purchasing Assistant and Procurement Officer.
Download the Foundation Procurement Apprenticeship overview (PDF 234kb)
Download Job Description & Person Specification (PDF 183kb)
On programme apprentices will be provided with training on the following CIPS units:
As well as classroom learning apprentices will be expected to undertake independent study in order to adequately prepare them for the exam at the end of each unit.
The purpose of the EPA is to assess an apprentice’s competency in the role.
Apprentices are put forward for EPA when they have:
The EPA consists of the following components:
On completion a final grade of either Pass or Distinction is awarded to recognise achievement.
In addition to the L3 Procurement & Supply Assistant Apprenticeship individuals who successfully complete the programme will also gain the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Level 3 Advanced Certificate.
The programme takes 24 months to complete during which time apprentices are employed by a lead employer on a fixed term contract.
Apprentices are paid National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 18-20 year olds ie. £10.00/hour or £19,554/per annum unless aged 21 or above when they will receive the adult rate of £12.21/hour.
In addition, apprentices are also reimbursed for any training related travel costs incurred.
On completion apprentices can progress on to the L4 Commercial Procurement & Supply Chain Apprenticeship and ultimately onto a Level 6 procurement apprenticeship which is currently in development.
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