CSP welcomes opportunity for 'open dialogue and shared learning' on future of physio apprenticeships
Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) have three weeks to submit their views on physiotherapy degree apprenticeships in an initiative that will influence how they develop nationally.
CSP members are one of the key ‘stakeholder’ groups that Skills for Health and the CSP invited last week (13 November) to start contributing to the physiotherapy degree apprenticeships insights project. The other main stakeholders are employers and apprentices (both current and former ones). The deadline for submitting responses is midday on 9 December.
Physiotherapy degree apprenticeships were introduced in 2018 as a ‘hands-on’ option for learners who were keen to gain a BSc in physiotherapy while developing their skills in the workplace.
Key findings from the survey will be used to develop interventions and resources to support this approach to pre-registration training in future years.
The collated survey responses will be analysed by healthcare apprenticeships experts Skills for Health, which wants to find out how physiotherapy degree apprenticeships are
- delivered
- implemented
- and experienced
Given the clear advantages of apprenticeships to the physiotherapy profession, we welcome this opportunity for open dialogue and shared learning to ensure our workforce stands in good stead for the future [Anita Watson, CSP]
Anita Watson, who manages the CSP’s Education Reform Programme, said: ‘Our aim with this project is to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations that supports the sustainability and quality of the degree apprenticeships model.
‘Apprenticeships offer a structured career development pathway to individuals looking to upskill in their current job role or enter the profession. What’s more, for employers, apprenticeships provide the potential to address workforce and skills gaps through improved recruitment and retention.
Anita, who is a physiotherapist by background, added: ‘Given the clear advantages of apprenticeships to the physiotherapy profession, we welcome this opportunity for open dialogue and shared learning to ensure our workforce stands in good stead for the future.'
Apprentices need the 'right skills' in the 'right place'
Project leaders Cat Smith is a workforce analyst at Skills for Health, a not-for-profit organisation. She said: ‘This insights project will explore the experiences and impact of degree apprenticeships on apprentices, employers and education providers within England.'
Cat added: ‘Evidence from stakeholders is central to ensuring the sustainability of physiotherapy degree apprenticeships and their role in providing the right skills, in the right place, to deliver high-quality care.’
The physiotherapy degree apprenticeships insights project is supported by the NHS England Professional Body Education Reform Commission, which is funding 12 allied health professional bodies to conduct workforce evaluation research.
To access the survey, click
To find out more about Skills for Health, click
To find out more about the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, click
Author: Ian A McMillan
Share it with
