Health and Science Apprenticeships

Level 4 Integrated Orthodontic Therapist

by
Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice

Are you interested for a step up in the Dentistry Industry? If you are have a look at this blog and how you can expand on your Dentistry Career as an Orthodontic Therapist!

Jobs and Entry Level Criteria for a Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship

The Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn the job role of an Orthodontic Therapist and give you plenty of progression options in the future. Pathways for personal and professional growth include specialisation in certain areas putting focus into developing a niche expertise such as adult orthodontics or paediatric orthodontics.

To hit the requirements for the Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship you must have prior registration on the General Dental Council Register with the capacities of a certified dental nurse, dental hygienist, dental therapist, or dental technician. Employers will usually require their apprentice candidates to have a period of clinical post-qualification experience which would ideally be 2 years of work.

Key Responsibilities for an Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice

The main role of the occupation includes undertaking reversible orthodontic procedures, which include bonding brackets on the teeth, fitting and changing wires and accessories that connect to the brackets, fitting removable appliances and retainers, following an appropriate prescription, while responding appropriately to a treatment plan provided by an orthodontist. They will be able to provide advice on maintaining oral and general health for their patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Other Duties Include:

  • Use appropriate communication at all times and through all media
  • Take impressions or scans of the teeth
  • Identify, select and use equipment, instruments and materials
  • Clean and prepare tooth surfaces
  • Fit orthodontic appliances
  • Change or repair arch wires inside a patient’s mouth
  • Recognise and deal with medical emergencies
  • Seek advice and receive referrals made by other healthcare professionals
Orthodontic therapist Apprentice
Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice with a patient

Core Competencies and Exams

During this apprenticeship you will need to learn and apply knowledge of dental hygiene and orthodontic procedures. The knowledge modules and vendor exams will help you understand the following:

  • The principles of an evidence-based approach to learning, clinical and professional practice
  • The principles of clinical decision making and your role in the decision-making process
  • Adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities in line with General Dental Council requirements, taking responsibility for the integrity of own actions and completed work recognising the limits of your competence and experience
  • Take a patient medical and social history, checking the patient’s level of experience and expectations
  • Carry out screening for the orthodontic need for treatment either under the direction of an orthodontist or direct to patients
  • Recognise the early stages of chronic problems with the soft tissues of the mouth
  • Recognise urgent care problems related to orthodontic treatment and take appropriate action in line with their scope of practice
  • Implement and perform effective decontamination and infection control procedures
  • Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively
  • Create, update and store contemporaneous patient records
  • Respect patients’ dignity and choices obtaining and documenting valid consent for all treatments and personal care delivery
  • Take impressions or scans of patient’s teeth as prescribed by the referring practitioner
  • Undertake a basic orthodontic assessment of a patient’s mouth
  • Fit, adjust, remove or repair a range of orthodontic appliances that the patient may wear as prescribed by the orthodontist. In the absence of a prescription, be able to make safe removable and fixed appliance components
  • Recognise and manage medical emergencies
  • Identify where patients’ needs may differ from the treatment plan or prescription and direct patients for advice where appropriate

To show understanding of these skills will be doing training carried out by the training provider, once the training provider is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, the apprentice will carry out an EPA assessment which can be graded either pass or fail. Apprentices that pass this exam will have professional recognition from the General Dental Council as an Orthodontic Therapist!

Conclusion

As you have just seen a Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist is a great direction for professional development in the Dentistry Industry. The skills you learn throughout the apprenticeship will help you grow and develop and will give you the opportunities to progress in the future. The On-Programme part of the apprenticeship prior to your EPA Gateway will be a 13 month duration.

Interested in more information on Occupational Paths? You can click here to find out more!

Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

by
Peer Worker Apprentice working with client

Are you interested in mental health advocacy and supporting others on their path to wellness? Consider a Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is a life-changing opportunity that can improve your personal growth. It can also enable you to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Continue reading to discover why this apprenticeship is worth considering.

Jobs in Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship leads to meaningful job opportunities. Peer workers help those with mental health challenges in various settings, such as hospitals and schools. They offer counselling, crisis intervention, and support groups. Experienced workers can go on to become mentors and supervisors.

Entry Criteria for Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

A passionate dedication to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys is at the core of peer work due to this specific entry criteria is not usually in place for aspiring Level 3 Peer Worker Apprentices.

Some employers may require candidates to have a minimum educational qualification, typically 5 GCSEs at grades A**-C. Additionally, a genuine experience of overcoming mental health challenges is highly valued. This is the basis of the unique empathy and understanding that peer workers bring to their roles.

Strong communication skills, active listening abilities, and a non-judgmental attitude are also crucial attributes for potential peer workers.

Key Responsibilities

As a peer worker apprentice, your primary role is to offer both emotional and practical support to individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges. This involves being an active listener and creating a safe space for clients to share their experiences, difficulties, and aspirations. Working with clients to build trust, assisting them in creating personalised recovery plans and identifying their strengths and resources to reach their goals.

You will work with mental health professionals to help clients get the services they need. You will also need to be able to provide immediate help during difficult times, so it’s important to have crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.

Core Competencies

  • Active Listening: The ability to attentively listen and comprehend clients’ experiences, concerns, and emotions. This enables a sense of being heard and understood.
  • Empathy: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding of clients’ struggles by drawing upon personal experiences while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries.
  • Effective Communication: Mastering clear and respectful communication, both verbally and nonverbally, to establish open and meaningful interactions with clients and colleagues.
  • Mental Health Knowledge: Developing a solid understanding of various mental health challenges, treatment options, and available community resources to provide informed guidance.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of clients, adapting support approaches to meet their unique needs.
  • Boundaries and Ethics: Learning to establish healthy emotional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure professional conduct.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying solutions to challenges clients face in their recovery journeys, supporting them in developing effective coping strategies.

A peer worker apprentice with these core competencies can provide caring support to people dealing with mental health difficulties.

To learn more about the difference that you can make as a peer support apprentice take a look at the video below:

Conclusion

Embarking on a Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship is not just a career choice; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. By offering personalised support, fostering empowerment, and building valuable skills, you will help others on their journey to recovery. A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship could be the perfect stepping stone to a rewarding and fulfilling career if you’re passionate about mental health advocacy and want to create lasting change.

For more information about various apprenticeships and for exclusive tips sign up for our newsletter here.

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP)

by
Female Psychologist listens carefully to patient sat across from her

Sign up to our newsletter here https://www.apprenticetips.com/download-epa-interview-tips-ebook/

Just finished your psychology degree or trying to figure out what to do after? Becoming a Clinical Associate in Psychology may be the role for you! Find out more below about this Health and Science Level 7 Intergrated Degree Apprenticeship:

What is a Clinical Associate in Psychology?

A Clinical Associate in Psychology is a specialist mental health professional who assess and treat client within with a range of conditions. This apprenticeship is designed to upskill healthcare professionals. With this course, you will become skilled in the assessment, formulation and delivery of psychological treatment in range of clinical settings.

CAPs will go through a year of training at Masters level (Level 7 Apprenticeship Integrated Degree) to become a professional applied psychologist. In this year, CAPs have supervised clinical practice become becoming qualified.

Key Responsibilities

As a Clinical Associate in Psychology, you:

  • are accountable professionals delivering psychological assessments, formulations, interventions and research within their scope of practice
  • use applied service research and evaluation to inform interventions
  • may work with and communicate with patients in their own home, their workplace, the community, hospital, secure environments, education or in any settings where their needs are supported and managed
  • may work with individuals and groups with complex and long-term needs
  • act as a psychological resource providing support, guidance and supervision using psychological models to the wider health, social care and professional teams
  • provide training to others to inform psychological interventions
  • use psychological measurement tools to evaluate psychological treatments and improve the quality of clinical practice
  • complement the work of HCPC registered practitioner psychologists
  • often deliver treatment interventions developed with a HCPC registered practitioner psychologist who will review their practice through supervision.
  • provide a range of psychological treatments working within their scope of practice, whilst the supervising HCPC registered practitioner psychologist retains overall clinical responsibility for their work
  • undertake research
  • report to a HCPC registered practitioner psychologist in terms of psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Start the Level 7 Apprenticeship

  1. Fully funded training – and a salary whilst you train!
  2. Be part of an exciting revolution in health and social care – this is a new role.
  3. Learn from the best – these courses draw the expertise and talent from clinicians, trainers and service users that contribute to the teaching activity schedule.
  4. Progress in your career – this course allows you to move up pay bands.
  5. Help people in need – the psychological workforce will benefit from having more enthusiastic and caring people

Conclusion

Becoming a Clinical Associate in Psychology is an extremely rewarding and revolutionary way into applied psychology. Through doing a Level 7 Integrated Degree and Apprenticeship, you are able to learn on the job and upskill you into the next level of your career. Employers are keen to find highly skilled and passionate people that will improve mental health services across the UK.

Make sure to sign up to our newsletter to find out about more courses and tips https://www.apprenticetips.com/download-epa-interview-tips-ebook/

Level 3 – Community health and wellbeing worker

by
Community health and wellbeing worker HERO (dylan-gillis-unsplash)

Do you have a passion for helping people? Are you interested in health and science? Then this Community health and wellbeing apprenticeship is right for you.

What does a Community health and wellbeing worker do?

The role of Community health and wellbeing workers can be found in a range of organisations. From the NHS and Government facilities to Community and Social enterprise organisations. In this role you will work individuals and their communities. You will identify and address health and wellbeing needs to prevent ill health and reduce inequalities. The role is influenced by wider social factors of health that lead to shaping the conditions in which people live. Your work, as a Community health and wellbeing worker, will have a big impact on people’s lives. 

On top of making a difference in the community, your salary can be from £22,000 p.a.

To become a Level 3 Community health and wellbeing worker, you will need a L2 in English and Maths. But for those without this qualification, the exam can be taken before the EPA.  However by the end of the apprenticeship, you won’t own a single dime in student debt. 

Community health and wellbeing worker apprenticeship - planning
Community health and wellbeing worker apprenticeship planning approach task (Canva)

Key responsibilities of a Community health and wellbeing apprentice

In this 12 month Health and Science apprenticeship, you will have many different responsibilities. You will use a range of methods, and behavioural science. Working with people to tackle their problems and challenges that affect their health and wellbeing will be your main goal.

Other responsibilities:

  • Help communities to build local resilience and identify resources that support their health and wellbeing
  • Provide informed advice about local services and projects that support health and wellbeing
  • Apply behavioural science to help people find practical solutions for better health and wellbeing
  • Action strategies and policies that promote health and wellbeing at community level
  • Manage data and information and contribute to the evaluation of projects and services

The apprenticeship will prepare you for all of your responsibilities within your role. As well as supporting you with the knowledge necessary. 

Community health and wellbeing worker apprenticeship - discussion at work - learning on the job
Learning on the Job (Canva)

What you’ll learn

This Community health and wellbeing apprenticeship will provide the health and science knowledge that you will apply in your day-to-day role. From behavioural science to forming strategies, policies and interventions to improve health and wellbeing. Here are a few things you will learn during your apprenticeship:

  • How psychological, behavioural and cultural factors contribute to the physical and mental health of people
  • The importance of building partnerships and connections with individuals, groups, and communities
  • National guidance on the engagement and management of volunteers
  • Concepts and theories underpinning a strengths or asset-based approach
  • Relevant legislation, local policies and protocols regarding information governance, data security, data sharing and record keeping, to inform practice
  • The use of different communication methods in the promotion of health messages to a wide audience, including through social media and other digital technologies

End Point Assessment

The End Point Assessment is assessed using different evidence. During the apprenticeship you will create a portfolio of evidence. Plus, you will be assessed on:

  • Multiple-choice exam 
  • Demonstration of practice 
  • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Find the assessment plan here.

Conclusion

An apprenticeship as a Community health and wellbeing worker will benefit you in many ways. It will give you an entry-level job. You will learn skills that will last you a lifetime. Your work will benefit people’s lives as a result.  

Learn more about this role

Interested in other Health and Science apprenticeships? Here are a few related articles:

Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship

by
Laboratory background and white text saying “Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship” with science graphics.

Further your career in science with this Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship 

Have you completed a qualification within science and are wondering where to go next? Do you love working in a lab? If so, read on, because a career as a technician might be what you’re looking for – and the Level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship can help you get there. A lab based role, you’ll be at the heart of scientific experiment.

Role overview 

The Level 5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship aims to give you with the knowledge needed to carry out basic scientific experimentation within a lab environment. You’ll be working in a dynamic team of scientists to learn specialised skills and procedures. This largely depends on your company’s research area. This role requires you to employ excellent critical thinking and decision making skills to improve your research. This apprenticeship takes place typically over 36 months. Successful completion makes you eligible to register with professional scientific bodies like The Science Council for Registered Scientists (RSci), making you recognised within your field. Typically, a qualified technician scientist in the UK has a salary ranging from anywhere between £17,500 to £40,000. That is depending on your skills and experience, meaning that there is plenty of room for progression up to management level roles.

Entry requirements

As this is an advanced apprenticeship, you must have a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree. It should be in a science or technology discipline that is relevant to the specific job role you are applying to. If you’re unsure about your experience, this is something you might want to contact the employer to discuss. This experience will provide you with the UCAS points necessary for a higher education programme like this. You will also need to have a Grade C or above in at least 5 GCSE’s – this includes English, maths and a science. 

A female scientist in a laboratory looks through a microscope.
As a Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprentice, you will be working in a laboratory.

Core competencies

Your employer will want you to demonstrate specific knowledge, skills and behaviours before starting your apprenticeship. Most of these you should have experience with based on your completion of a qualification within sciences already, so not to worry. Some of the most important examples include:

  • Knowing the most basic lab and scientific techniques for experimentation, including appropriate health and safety.
  • Good theoretical knowledge in the sciences.
  • An ability to understand and analyse data, using computer based tools where you need to. 
  • Plan and implement projects to a high standard independently, including keeping to any necessary regulations. 
  • Work well as part of a team, contributing to new processes and recommendations.
  • Be able to find solutions to problems.
  • Be a good communicator. Both to scientific and non-scientific audiences, be able to listen, write and present in a way that meets your goals. 

This is just an overview of the most important skills for the role. Prior to any applications you should have a thorough read through the occupational standard, brief and assessment plan related to this apprenticeship so that you can feel confident you fit the criteria set out.

Assessment plan

The main method of assessment throughout the duration of this apprenticeship is in the form of on-the-job training. There is an expectation that you will be evaluated on your skills at regular points within this time. there would be a workplace based project to evaluate your problem solving towards the end of your apprenticeship. This is to prepare you for your end point assessment (EPA). This will consist of a workplace problem solving project and report, followed by a discussion and presentation on which you’d be graded. There is also a vocational competence discussion. Your employer and apprenticeship provider would provide you with the support you need to be able to complete these successfully.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the next step in your career within science, you can see that the Level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship can act as an excellent route into the lab. This apprenticeship values the skills and learning you have developed in previous roles. It aims to qualify you to work more independently in a research setting.

Competition for these roles is often high, and a recognised qualification such as an apprenticeship can help set you apart from other candidates. Following completion of level 5, there is potential for you to progress onto a Laboratory Scientist level 6 apprenticeship. This is the equivalent of a degree qualification and could open you up to progressing to management level.

If you want to hear about similar exciting apprenticeships in the future, sign up to our mailing list here.

Dental Technician Apprenticeship – Level 5

by
Image of a female dental nurse operating a machine.
Empower yourself and others with a career in dentistry.

Have you ever wanted to work in the dental industry? If this Dental Technician Apprenticeship sounds like something you would be interested in, read on to find out more!

What is a Dental Technician?

Dental Technicians are responsible for designing, creating and modifying cosmetic dental appliances such as crowns, bridges and dentures. A Dental Technician work closely with dentists to produce this under prescription from dentists within a dental laboratory. Dental Technicians combine scientific knowledge with engineering precision to create and deliver the highest quality dental appliances. The role requires attention to detail, artistry and dexterity.

What will you do as a Dental Technician?

As a Dental Technician apprentice you will design, manufacture, modify and repair custom-made dental appliances. Typically the work is undertaken in a dental laboratory on a prescription from a dentist. The work can broadly be split into crown & bridge, dentures and orthodontics; most labs specialise in one or two of these areas but during the apprenticeship Dental Technicians will develop competency across all disciplines from start to finish before choosing if/where to specialise once they are qualified.

All Dental Technicians are professionals who work in accordance with the General Dental Council (GDC).

What are the main responsibilities

The main role of a Dental Technician apprentice is to help build prostheses for patients seen by the dentist/dental surgery. Your day to day tasks may include:

  • designing, making, modifying and repairing custom dental devices
  • using precision equipment and tools
  • shaping materials like gold, porcelain and plastic

plus much more!

Skills you will gain during the apprentieship

Below are some of the skills you will learn during the apprenticeship

  • Advising the prescribing dentist on appropriate dental devices based on dentist input, while recognising oral limitations and their effect on devices. Evaluate, for individual patients, the need for more complex treatment and seek advice from the dentist or more experienced Dental Technicians as appropriate.
  • Designing, manufacturing, assessing, repairing, modifying and providing biomechanically sound custom- made dental devices in the following three different areas
  • Assessing impressions, models and finished devices as well as the fitness for purpose of devices and propose alternatives where necessary, in line with patient prescription, and formally recording these decisions as for MDD requirements

Behaviours that are needed for the apprenticeship

  • Proactive in their own development, willing to commit to lifelong learning by use of a Personal Development Plan (PDP), personal reflection and continuous improvement.
  • Recognise and act within GDC standards, ethical guidance, information governance and relevant laws.
  • Willing to give and receive feedback effectively and tactfully within the wider dental team; taking responsibility for establishing personal networks with dental professionals, specialists and other relevant individuals and organisations.
  • Ready to take responsibility for integrity of completed work.

For more information about this apprenticeship, you can check out the Dental Technician (Integrated) Standard, as well as the assessment plan to understand how you should prepare for end-point assessment.

Entry Requirements

To apply for this apprenticeship you will need to have A Levels or relevant Level 3 qualifications. Employers who train apprentices without English and Math’s GCSE at Grade 5 or above must ensure that the apprentice achieves this during the course prior to completion.

Conclusion

The Dental Technician Level 5 apprenticeship is a 36 months long course. If you are looking for a health and science apprenticeship that will help you excel in the health and science sector, please apply for this opportunity through ApprenticeTips and start your future today!

To subscribe to our mailing list or see other vacancies that we currently have available please visit our site ApprenticeTips.com

Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

by

Are you interested in working at the head of technology to carry out laboratory experiments and improve system performance across the work environment? If so, carry on reading to find out how the Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship could be right for you.

Man looking into a microscope with his colleague
Man looking into a microscope with his colleague

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a laboratory technician apprentice

A Laboratory Technician apprentice can be found in a wide variety of organisations including chemical, biotechnology, and nuclear companies. The primary role of a laboratory technician is to proactively identify areas for business improvement and discover solutions to problems. The typical laboratory technician is able to work both individually and also as part of a team, with minimum supervision and is able to take responsibility for the quality of their own work. As a laboratory technician, you will need to follow quality procedures and methods to meet the highest requirements relevant to your work.

As part of your job role, you will have to carry out duties such as:

  • Applying regulatory health and safety procedures when performing and preparing laboratory experiments
  • Demonstrating use of a Laboratory Information Management System and handling accurate records of laboratory work that has been undertaken
  • Preparing and performing laboratory experiments and tasks following specified methods to provide reliable and accurate data
  • Applying scientific statistical techniques for data presentation
  • Identifying problems and selecting appropriate scientific methods to recognise causes and reach solutions
  • Participating in improving business performance by analysing schemes to aid workplace systems and processes

Additionally you will need demonstrate the following behaviours:

  • Effective teamwork with the ability of working independently and taking responsibility for initiating and completing tasks to the highest standard
  • Demonstrate reliability and integrity in regards to confidentiality on work related & personal matters
  • Interact with others when working in a team and respect equality and diversity within the work environment
  • Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalies or unusual results
  • Use standard applications and software packages e.g. Microsoft Office suite

For more information about this apprenticeship, you can check out the Laboratory Technician Occupational Standard as well as the assessment plan to understand what you should do to prepare for end-point assessment.

Man and woman doing an experiment
Man and woman doing an experiment
Entry Requirements and assessment:

For apprentices without level 2 English and Maths, you will need to achieve this prior to taking the End-Point Assessment (EPA). A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification can alternatively be used for those whose primary language is BSL.

Full time apprentices will typically spend 24 months on-programme (before gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme.

The End-point assessment is an assessment of the knowledge and skills that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship and tests the apprentice’s ability to apply them in the workplace. This will be observed during your normal work hours by an independent assessor, and will consist of the following:

  1. A multiple choice test consisting of 40 questions
  2. An observation of practice undertaken in the workplace
  3. A portfolio of evidence completed by the apprentice and an interview.
Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship is a great introduction for anyone who is interested in a career in health and science. If you are looking for an health and science apprenticeship that will help you excel in the health and science sector, then please apply for this opportunity through Apprentice Now and start your future today!

If you feel like this is not what you are looking for then here are some other healthcare-related apprenticeships that may be a better fit:

Level 2 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship

by
A display of eye glasses

Are you an enthusiastic individual who enjoys interacting with people and has an interest in health and science? If so, the Level 2 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship could be perfect for you. Read on to find out more about how to start or progress your career within the optical retail industry and help customers find suitable glasses.

What is an Optical Assistant Apprenticeship?

An Optical Assistant Apprenticeship will provide you with a broad range of skills and technical knowledge about spectacle frame materials, fitting requirements, and optical lenses. You will also learn how to use an extensive range of equipment and tools to take measurements, adjust and repair spectacles.

In addition to the comprehensive range of knowledge you will gain, you will also develop a vast range of skills to be able to work within the optical retail industry. Some of these include strong communication, listening skills and a passion for working with others to deliver excellent service and products.

The duration of the apprenticeship typically takes a minimum of 12 months to complete and apprentices without Level 1 English and match will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End Point Assessment as well as sitting Level 2.

Key responsibilities of an Optical Assistant

Alongside the broad range of knowledge and skills requirements mentioned above, there are key responsibilities that apply for all Optical Assistants regardless of whether you work within a small practice, large practice or within the domiciliary environment.

An Optical Assistant is always required to interpret and understand a clinically issued prescription, its effects on the eye, and the customer’s vision. They need to be able to identify the appropriate spectacles to meet the customer’s needs and be able to explain the features and benefits of these, using non-technical and customer friendly language.

It is an Optical Assistant’s responsibility to ensure the maximum comfort of the spectacle frame for the customer, avoiding physical damage to the skin through ill-fitting or the wrong material choice.

An Optical Assistant Apprentice using technical equipment

Level 2 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Competencies

As part of your apprenticeship and job role, you will need to evidence your knowledge, and skills throughout the programme and in the end-point assessment. Some examples of the areas of standard are:

  • Health and safety: Maintaining safe working practices and identifying risks or dangers to self, customers, or colleagues.
  • Materials of frames and lenses: Identifying, explaining, recommending suitable frame and lens materials based on customer needs and requirements.
  • Tools and equipment: Confidently and correctly using a wide range of optical tools and equipment.
  • Quality and governance: Working to the appropriate company quality standards and systems.
  • Screening checks: Clearly explaining screening checks, the reasons they are done and how the machinery works.
  • Customer interactions, dispensing, fitting and adjustment of spectacles: Building rapport and trust with the customer and identifying their communication preferences.

Additionally, you will also be required to demonstrate the following behaviours:

  • Professionalism
  • Self-development
  • Safety orientated

The occupational standard, assessment plan and occupational brief for the Optical Assistant Apprenticeship will provide more detail of these areas of standard and the competencies in more detail. It also outlines the skills, knowledge, and behaviours within the standard and the grading differences between a distinction, pass or fail.

For a more technical overview of this apprenticeship, you can view the full assessment plan here. This document will help you understand what you can do to prepare for the end-point assessment.

Conclusion

As demonstrated, the Level 2 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start or develop their career within the optical retail industry. As well as developing your skillset and technical knowledge, you will also be able to earn while you learn.

If this apprenticeship isn’t quite right for you, take a look at this Level 3 Spectacle Maker Apprenticeship.

SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST

Level 3 Dental Nurse

by

Have you always wanted a career in the healthcare industry but you’re not sure where to start? Has the dental industry always been appealing to you but you don’t want to go to university? Well, the answers to those questions lie within this article, exploring the role of a Level 3 Dental Nurse and how an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you to kickstart your career.

Summary of the Role

A role of a dental nurse is an understated one, yet crucial in enabling dental professionals to deliver efficient and accurate services to patients. The primary purpose of the role is to provide chair side support to dentists and other professionals, working with them to provide patients with a high standard of oral healthcare, including keeping records and dictating notes on behalf of the dentist. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infection control are also important aspects of the role as dental nurses are responsible for the preparation, sterilisation and disposal of instruments, materials and medicaments used in dental procedures to ensure that all services undertaken are safe and hygienic. Other responsibilities include carrying out stock control and enforcing patient safety in the practice during their visits.

Image of a female dental nurse operating a machine.
Empower yourself and others with a career in dentistry.

Dental nurses work in clinical environments that could be located in NHS general dental practices or hospitals serving the community, as well as private or specialist practices. Dental nurses interact with patients of all ages, genders, backgrounds and cultures with varying beliefs, as well as other members of the practice team, such as receptionists or specialists. In more specific cases, they may also be required to interact with schools, the prison service or the military service.

Dental nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice as defined by the General Dental Council Scope of Practice document.

Knowledge and Skills you will gain

  • Acquire knowledge of the dental and regional anatomy
  • Knowledge of the wider dental and healthcare system
  • Understand legislation, policy and procedures outlined in the GDC
  • Provide chair side support during dental procedures
  • Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively at all times
  • Respect patients’ dignity and choices and act without discrimination
  • Effectively manage own time and resources

Qualifications required

Level 2 English* & Maths

*British Sign Language qualification as an alternative

Other details

Duration – 18 months

Occupational Level – Level 3

Regulatory body – General Dental Council

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will be awarded with a Level 3 qualification for entry to the professional register as a dental nurse.

Conclusion

The Level 3 Dental Nurse apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for ambitious and driven individuals to get your foot in the door in the healthcare industry and opens up a plethora of opportunities to continue your career path such as branching out into an Oral Health Practitioner role. This apprenticeship will provide you with key skills and knowledge that will help you to excel and flourish in the health and sciences sector and provide meaningful and appreciated care to the community.

Image of a female dental nurse handing a toothbrush and toothpaste to a young girl.
Give back to the community with a career in dentistry.

If after reading you’ve decided this might not be best for you, don’t fear! Click here to find out more information on different apprenticeships to help you determine which one is right for you.

Keep up with updates from us and other key apprenticeship news by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn, or have quality information delivered right to your inbox by signing up to our mailing list.

Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship

by
Close up of a nurse's hands holding an older person's hand during their healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship

Are you compassionate about giving high-quality social care? If so, you’re in the right place to find out how the level 5 healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship could kickstart your dream career. Alternatively, you could change roles within your current organisation and complete the apprenticeship training. NHS apprenticeships are a great way to further your career.

Jobs and entry criteria for the level 5 healthcare assistant practitioner

The healthcare assistant practitioner works on an in-depth level to understand factors that influence health and ill health (e.g. anatomy and physiology). This apprenticeship allows the apprentice to obtain the core skills, knowledge and values/behaviours to become an Assistant Practitioner.

In this healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship role, you’ll experience a massive range of things from assisting in total patient assessment to the coordination of care (including referrals to other practitioners) and higher clinical skills such as catheterisation, wound care and discharge planning! Not only that but you may find yourself working in a range of areas. These could be Cancer Services, Physiotherapy, Genito- Urinary Medicine, Orthopaedics, Hospice Care, Mental Health, Social Care, Community, Occupational Therapy, Learning Disabilities as well as hybrid roles that cross traditional occupational areas. We’re hard-pressed to find a role that covers quite so many areas. We’re sure you’ll find the areas you like!

If you do not have your Level 2 English and Maths then you will get a chance to sit this during your apprenticeship as you’ll need this before you can do your end-point assessment.

Key responsibilities of a healthcare assistant practitioner

You shouldn’t fear any responsibilities as you’ll be in the capable hands of a Registered Practitioner! They will ensure you feel you are equipped to handle anything coming your way. If you ever don’t feel skilled enough to carry out anything, then alert them immediately.

Working in healthcare means you must be an honest and caring person. You should always be compassionate to others’ needs and committed to their betterment. The healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship requires you to treat individual beliefs and cultures with respect and be empathetic with what you come across. Demonstrating discretion and working to be practised as you may have to be courageous and challenge areas of concern.

Healthcare practitioner apprenticeship student nurse holding the shoulder and laughing with an older woman
Nurse taking care of an old woman

Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Core Competencies

The apprentice will be able to demonstrate:

  • the principles and philosophy of health and social care
  • the physiology, organisation and function of the human body
  • lifespan developments and healthcare needs from prenatal to end-of-life/bereavement
  • research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve the quality of care
  • provision and promotion of holistic person-centred care and support, the duty of care and safeguarding of individuals
  • the importance of the strategic environment in health and social care and the implications for the individual
  • the importance of current evidence-based practice within the scope of the role

The assessment plan, occupational standard and any extra documents will outline any extra competencies and what you need to do to satisfy them.

Healthcare assistant practitioner knowledge modules and vendor exams

The apprentice will have successfully completed a regulated level 5 occupational competence qualification. The EPA will test if the apprentice has taken all key competencies on board!

Your end point assessment:

  • Showcase your knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship through oral or documentary evidence.
  • Will be observed during your normal work hours by an independent assessor.
  • Tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship. The end-point assessment includes the following components:
    1. A multiple choice and short answer test
    2. An observation of practice undertaken in the workplace
    3. A reflective journal completed by the apprentice and an interview.

Conclusion

As you can see, the level 5 healthcare assistant practitioner will assist someone in really honing their healthcare practitioner skills. ApprenticeTips wouldn’t recommend this standard if we weren’t sure of the confident and widely skilled registered practitioner you can become! In addition, you will earn while you learn and for those Assistant Practitioners who wish to progress into Registered Practice, the apprenticeship can provide credits into some Higher Education programmes aligned to professional registration.

Make sure to always keep up to date with any news or revisions in the ever-changing world of apprenticeships.

Find more info on our socials!

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram