There has never been a more significant time, in recent years if not decades, for the need for excellent health and public services staff.

Staff across health and public services have been part of the front-line response to the current coronavirus (covid-19) crisis in the UK and have worked tirelessly to support those in need including those at the margins of society and the vulnerable.

As well as NHS front-line staff, there are many other crucial roles across health and public services who have come together to fight the current pandemic.

Social workers have been working with partners in healthcare and voluntary sectors to deliver support and solutions to a range of presenting needs and issues.

The role has balanced caring for others and intervening when support or protection is needed.

In the lockdown situation that we are living in currently, social work services are needed more than ever.

During lockdown there has been a significant increase in incidences of domestic abuse, and for many people mental health issues are exacerbated by our current circumstances.

Those who were isolated and lonely may be even more so now that many support services have closed to save lives and support the NHS response to the virus.

Where before the crisis people or families were managing with the help of schools, services, and those around them, recent weeks have tipped many into greater and more acute need.

The current pandemic has also pushed public health into the forefront of people’s minds with Public Health England providing a crucial role in responding to covid-19.

The ultimate role of public health practitioners is to assess and manage the risk of disease and ill-health and prevent premature deaths.

Working as part of a national workforce, public health practitioners have been vital in planning and responding to the pandemic, while mitigating against potential impacts on those with the poorest health outcomes and tackling fundamental aspects of global health including how pandemics are understood and managed.

We’ve also seen the crucial role of biomedical scientists in understanding the nature of the virus and subsequently the structure and makeup of the virus which is vital to the development of treatments and vaccines.

Whilst the current pandemic has meant that a lot of services have been paused, there is likely to be a surge in the need for treatment across many different areas and settings.

This includes within podiatry of which there is already a major shortfall of staff and skills in the sector. The diagnosis and treatment of foot and lower limb disorders, many of which are caused by general health disorders are vital to keeping our nation healthy and on the move.

Many services and roles across the NHS and other organisations have come together to fight the pandemic and these crucial skill sets amongst the workforce need to be harnessed.

Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to up-skill your staff whilst they are still working allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge from university to the workplace on an ongoing basis.

DEVELOP YOUR WORKFORCE

A degree apprenticeship combines academic study at university with on-the-job training in the workplace. Degree apprenticeships are a great way to attract and retain talent for your business, boost productivity and up-skill your workforce.

Funding depends on the size of your organisation but will either be fully funded by your apprenticeship levy or via co-investment with the government (the government will fund 95% of the training costs).

WHY NOW?

Staff have been working tirelessly to respond to the current situation and whether that be as part of front-line services or managing the consequential challenges posed by the pandemic on the life of individuals and communities, now is the time to look towards recovery.

Staff across all settings but in particular those within health and public services have been at the cold front of the current situation managing challenging circumstances with unwavering commitment. Focusing on the development of your staff is a great way to acknowledge their work and ensure the skills and knowledge within your workforce are harnessed and nurtured for the benefit of all and to ensure an even stronger future workforce.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

  • Develop and up-skill your workforce in a cost-effective way.                    
  • Recruit and develop ambitious, motivated employees.                       
  • Increase retention by offering your workforce the chance to develop and progress.             
  • Retain your talent and gain access to a broader pool of employees.
  • Tailor learning to your business requirements.
  • Work around your commitments with flexible study options, including block delivery and online learning.

For more email apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk