Despite the resilience and enthusiasm of NHS employees, issues like long waiting lists, digital transformation, ever-changing targets, and staff retention are leading to longer waits for essential treatments.
This struggle persists even with a workforce that remains dedicated to their professions.
On top of this, digital transformation, AI, and the challenges that come with building a more data literate workforce mean that Trusts are struggling to maintain quality care, even with a workforce dedicated to their professions.
At the heart of this issue is the imperative to upskill and provide employees with quality training and development opportunities.
What organisational development leads might not know is that the Apprenticeship Levy presents a significant opportunity to strengthen and upskill the NHS workforce skills for the NHS's long-term sustainability.
In this toolkit, we'll detail how the Apprenticeship Levy can serve as a strategic instrument to address various challenges, including:
- Leadership development
- Staff retention enhancement
- Improving the digital literacy of the NHS workforce
- Making data more person-centred to improve patient care
Apprenticeship myth busting
- The Open University found 3/4 of organisations reported increased retention because of apprenticeship programmes.
- The government acknowledges the productivity benefits of skills development and has committed to boosting apprenticeship funding by £170 million to reach £2.7 billion in 2024-25.
- Nearly half of all apprentices are over 24 years old, proving apprenticeships aren't just for early-career employees.