How are apprenticeships suited to the needs of a modern workforce?

Apprenticeships: an attractive proposition

Jan 25, 2018

How are apprenticeships suited to the needs of a modern workforce, and how do you see their profile in dentistry changing in the next year?

Lorraine Nadel, Managing Director of Tempdent recently wrote an article for Modern Dentist Magazine, a brand new bi-monthly Dental Magazine.

Investing in an apprentice is a great way of attracting enthusiastic talent with fresh ideas or up-skilling existing staff. With apprenticeships now open to applicants of all ages, it has opened up the opportunity for government funded and targeted training to the whole workforce, which can have a significant impact on the dental industry in terms of career progression for DCPs.

Many apprenticeships are now delivered through blended online learning, offering the flexibility needed in the modern workplace and allowing for greater employer involvement than traditional classroom models. Furthermore, with new apprenticeship standards having been created by employers, these are specific and relevant to the actual job role. There are more exciting times ahead. Last year the brand new Dental Practice Manager & Dental Technician Apprenticeships were launched as well as updated dental nurse standards. There are going to be a number of new apprenticeships introduced into dentistry this year, and over the coming years that all DCPs, and even dentists, will be able to access enabling growth of the workforce in a modular way. Apprenticeships are excellent value.

The government funds 90% of the apprenticeship for non-levy paying employers and there is a generous £1,000 incentive to SMEs employing 16-18-year olds apprentices. Further savings are made through not having to pay the 13.8% employers National Insurance contribution for apprentices under 25. Employing an apprentice is an affordable way to train all dental staff.

Health Education England (HEE) has recently launched a review of dental training aiming to reform dental education to deliver the right workforce for the future. One outcome of this review may mean the introduction of new apprenticeship training to enable growth of the workforce in a modular way; introducing groups of skills based on workforce demand. This will lead to apprenticeships such as the Oral Health Practitioner enabling Dental nurses to undertake one work based training programme that would have traditionally required four separate post-registration courses. Furthermore, apprenticeships may be launched to enable smooth transition into Dental Hygienists/ Dental Therapist roles.

This will have a significant impact, enabling individuals to continue to work in practice whilst undertaking training, meaning less impact on the business operation. And as mentioned previously, with government funding available for all age groups, this makes an attractive and economical proposition for both employers and employees alike.

To see the article in the Modern Dentist Magazine look on page 34 http://bit.ly/2n72NcX

For more information on apprentices please click here or contact Dan Redland on tel: 020 8371 7229