An innovative apprenticeship training scheme has been launched that will pave the way for healthcare sector managers to develop critical new leadership and management skills.
North East training provider Amacus has linked-up with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust to launch two higher level leadership and management apprenticeship programmes that will lead to industry recognised qualifications.
The move will see the introduction of a Level 3 apprenticeship this week (March 5), which will teach apprentices team leader and supervisor techniques, enabling them to gain key skills in managing teams, budgets and healthcare resources.
The Level 5 apprenticeship will come on stream later in March, providing a pathway for people to be equip themselves with the skills that will enable them to progress to operational and departmental management roles.
The programme will cater for a range of topics including effective stakeholder relationship management, creating and delivering operational plans, and managing finance.
Christine Hall, managing director at Amacus said: “We are delighted to be working with the trust to support and develop the leadership and managerial capability of its staff.
“Higher level leadership and management apprenticeships are a fantastic way to invest in skills, harness talent and increase performance and productivity. The programmes’ content has been tailored specifically to the Trust to support its goals and growth ambitions.”
Kathryn Atkinson, head of workforce development at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s great to be working with Amacus and introducing these exciting new training programmes as part of our People Strategy.
“The apprenticeship programmes have been specifically designed and developed to help first line and more senior managers to gain a sound understanding of key leadership and management skills and competencies.
“Combined with a comprehensive programme of workshops, on the job training and mentoring support we are confident that the benefits to staff will be considerable and underpin the trust’s commitment to long term investment in its workforce development.”
Both apprenticeship schemes come in response to the introduction of new higher-level leadership and management apprenticeship standards, after the government recently released a new apprenticeship levy policy.
The new policy encourages organisations with a salary bill in excess of £3m to use their digital accounts to upskill their staff, acquire higher level skills, retain talent and enhance employee learning.
The level 3 team leader/supervisor apprenticeship lasts for 12-15 months, while the Level 5 in operations and departmental apprenticeship will last for 24-30 months.
Upon successful completion of the courses, apprentices will receive a CMI Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership, or a CMI accredited Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Both apprenticeships offer the chance of progression to other higher-level courses, allowing employees to acquire new skills and enhance their careers even further.
Amacus, a private limited company and subsidiary of Gateshead College, has worked closely to create a bespoke training programme for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, which currently employees over 3,400 staff and provides a range of primary health care services across Gateshead.
