OXFORDSHIRE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME APPRENTICESHIPS level 2 ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS Level 3 Information Booklet Team - 01865 225016
Contents page Background Page 2 Level 2 Framework and course outline Page 3 Level 3 Framework and course outline Page 4 Entry Criteria Page 9 Roles and Responsibilities Page 10 Widening access secondment Page 13 1
Background The Health Care Apprenticeship programme has been supported by the Oxfordshire health and social care community since 2000. The programme has now undergone a significant change in provision and has re launched in line with the DOH and Skills for Health apprenticeship agendas. The apprenticeship programme has received funding from South Central SHA and this funding supports a team of clinical teachers to ensure that the developments are in line with service needs and closely linked to workforce developments. Developing Apprenticeships has been highlighted as a priority within A High Quality Workforce (2008) and is being pump funded by the DOH. Apprenticeships are offered at levels two (Apprenticeship) and level three (Advanced Apprenticeship), taking between one and two years to complete. The ethos of apprenticeships is that they provide development opportunity for Bands 1-4 within the NHS, support staff within Social Care, allows progression and also locally links in with South Central SHA s bands 1-4 CPD strategy. An Apprenticeship is a framework of nationally recognised qualifications that combine work - based training and formal education. The focus of this strategy is to develop existing members of the NHS workforce, employed at bands two and three, and to increase opportunities for development into band 4 Assistant Practitioner roles by 2012. An Apprenticeship consists of: a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) a technical certificate, covering the underpinning knowledge key skills such as numeracy and literacy The Health Care Apprenticeship team have been working closely with health and social care providers, FE and HE to develop the two apprenticeship pathways and again ensure that the future of apprenticeships is embedded at a strategic level for all providers. 2
Apprenticeship Framework (Health and Social Care) Level 2 Course Outline The Apprenticeship Framework Level 2 consists of: a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 a technical certificate, covering the underpinning knowledge key skills such as numeracy and literacy Level 1 This one year programme will be delivered in a remote apprenticeship provision. Remote provision is the delivery of an Apprentice programme that has no or minimal college based activity. This method is becoming increasingly popular with employers as it removes the need to release staff for whole days or weeks at a time. The learners work through a series of work books each fully covering the four individual units needed to complete the Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care. Along side this students also qualify to subscribe to the City & Guilds online resources and worksheet package to support their learning. For remote provision this is delivered in a combination of ways Work Books which are devised by the College to cover every aspect of the qualification. The apprentice will complete these in their own time. Workshops devised and delivered by the college in the workplace to cover aspects of the qualification that need detailed knowledge requirements. This is scheduled to take place every 6 weeks for 31/2 hours. Ideally the time will be set before or after a shift to prevent minimal disruption to the employer of the apprentice. One to one tutorials in the workplace where the apprentice can discuss general or specific areas of interest or concern. Technical Certificates generally are assessed externally by either an online or a written test. This enables the awarding body to maintain a high level of quality control. Assessments are carried out in the workplace and recorded by the assessors in a variety of methods to capture the required evidence in order to achieve the NVQ level 2. For the key skills there is a requirement for the candidate to sit a Maths and English test. This framework is a good starting point for professional development within Health and Social Care and will give a good grounding to build on in preparation for the Advanced Framework. 3
Advanced Apprenticeship Framework (Health and Social Care) Level 3 This two year programme has been developed in collaboration with Abingdon and Witney College which is an exciting and innovative programme, which has Skills for Health approval, whereby the apprentices can either step off after Year 1 or continue for a second year and achieve the credits needed to enter Professional Education. This is compatible with the broad strategy for introducing an all graduate nursing profession from 2011/2012. The college aim to deliver the key skills, technical certificate and a number of science based units as part of the progression pathway. The clinical teachers will deliver vocationally relevant units, targeting specific pathways for Health and Social Care Apprenticeships. Apprentices have been recruited across health and social care providers within Oxfordshire. The Apprentices are expected to attend college every Tuesday in term time. Course Outline The Advanced Apprenticeship Framework level 3 consists of: a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 a technical certificate, covering the underpinning knowledge key skills such as numeracy and literacy Level 2 This is an intensive course so it is extremely important to attend every Tuesday in term time. All training in year 1 will be based at Milton Park on Tuesdays 9:30-4:30 Year 1 is formatted into 3 terms during which the apprentice will focus on a range of vocationally relevant subjects on top of the NVQ Level 3 Year 1: Term 1 NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care - Assessed within workplace Key skills Communication/Application of Number Health Care Communications- Clinical Team NCFE Accredited short courses. 1-1 Review Term 2 NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care Assessed within the workplace Technical Certificate Study skills Reflective practice in Health Care Support 1-1 Review 4
Term 3 NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care - Assessed within the workplace Technical Certificate Study Skills Reflective Practice 1-1 Review Complete NVQ Apprenticeship framework Nationally Accredited Certificate Programmes - NCFE In term 1 NCFE level 2 Certificates are available to the Apprentices to undertake as distance learning units. They have been accredited by the qualifications and Curriculum Authority, a government body, and are therefore part of the National Qualifications Framework., a range of nationally recognised qualifications which enables recognition of achievement and facilities career progression. Just some of the health related units available: Infection Control Palliative Care Dementia Awareness Equality and Diversity Safe Handling of Medicines There are also level 3 units available in Palliative Care. The NVQ element of the framework will be assessed in the workplace. From the initial funding from The Department of Health/NESC there may well be money available to develop new assessors in the workplace and also to attract existing assessors. In Year 2 of the advanced apprenticeship framework the Apprentices will be based on the college campus (site to be confirmed in due course). It will commence in September 2011 and will be an intense programme distinctively created for this cohort. It will focus on a variety of units carefully selected to develop skills needed to progress into HE in science, maths, study skills and further reflective practice units. MATHEMATICS FOR H.E. We will be offering four topics: 1. Application of Number Calculations 2. Application of Number Interpreting and Presenting information 3. Additional mathematics Introduction to Algebra 4. Additional mathematics Shape and Space 5
HUMAN BIOLOGY SCHEDULE First Unit Circulation The working of the human heart The circulation of the blood Circulatory disorders E.g. Coronary heart disease What occurs in the lungs during breathing Second Unit Cells What is in a human cell Using a light microscope How cells adapt for different functions Movement of substances in and out of cells How do cells obtain energy Third Unit Micro-organisms and Immunity Bacteria and viruses what are they and how do they reproduce Practical investigation into the growth of bacteria The Immune system Vaccination Fourth Unit Homeostasis The human kidney and how it works Kidney failure and different treatments available The human liver and how it helps to control blood glucose levels Fifth Unit Cell Division Content How cells divide to make more cells How the sex of a baby is determined DNA what is it and what does it do Genetic engineering Sixth Unit Non Infectious Disease A study of human inheritance The effect of age on our skeleton The effect of diet on human health 6
CHEMISTRY SCHEDULE These chemistry units aim to give the skills, knowledge and confidence to cope with the Chemistry that will be on the Higher Education Health Care course. First unit Structure and Bonding What makes some things solid and others gases or liquids? How can you tell if something is a pure substance? What are atoms? How do atoms join together? Second unit Chemical Reactions Looking at patterns in different elements Looking at different chemical reactions Understanding chemical equations Third unit Energy Change and Biochemistry Investigating energy changes during chemical reactions Investigating the way different factors affect chemical reactions Studying the chemical structure of important biological compounds E.g. Proteins Linking the structure of biological compounds to their function in the human body Reflective Practice The reflective practice units have a health care focus and consider the theory that underpins clinical skills. They have a broad focus and encourage the apprentices to question their practice and consider the patient s journey through health care. Reflective Practice Units Communication Skills for Health Care Support Workers Living with Diabetes Developing One s Own Practice Health Promotion Nutrition Dignity 7
There will also be more specific pathway units that the apprentices can choose in year 2 depending on the area they are working in such as-: Living with Cancer Adult Mental Health and Illness OT Support Worker Programme Facilitating OT Groups Clinical Skills for Maternity Care Palliative Care Promoting the Health of the Older Person What is a Technical Certificate? The Technical Certificate is a separate mandatory qualification for most Apprenticeship Frameworks. Depending upon the Apprenticeship Framework the apprentice will obtain this qualification over a period of time at college. The course content will cover most of the knowledge and understanding required by the NVQ and need for the job. What are Key Skills? Changes in work and technology mean that you need more than just the technical skills needed for the job. Key skills are the skills needed to be successful in any job and in life in general. Key skills are a mandatory part of the Apprenticeship Framework. The number of Key skills varies according to the Apprenticeship Framework. Key Skills are:- Communications (Literacy) Application of Number (Numeracy) Communications We all need to communicate with each other, whether it is with our friends, family colleagues at work, college staff or our employer. Speaking or writing clearly so others understand you will be part of your job. For example an employer or supervisor may wish to give instructions or the apprentice may need to give them to other people or the apprentice may need to speak to clients/patients/relatives on the phone or write letters or send e-mails. 8
Application of Number In virtually every job there will be times when one has to deal with numbers. It could be interpreting instruments or analysing data. Also it may be to accurately monitor and record patients data, observations or certain findings. All Apprentices will have a portfolio to collect all the evidence that is required to demonstrate that the national standard has been achieved. What does a Portfolio look like? A portfolio is usually a ring binder with dividers and an index. They are different for each Apprenticeship framework and the Assessor or Tutor will provide further information and advice. What is evidence? Evidence can be anything that proves that the criteria and scope for each Unit and Element of the NVQ have been achieved. It can be:- Sketches or drawings, notes and calculations of something you have made Photographs of a skill/task that have been Written materials such as reports or assignments or projects that relate to work Witness Statements from your Supervisor, Manager or Employer or Colleague confirming work that has been done. Records of the Apprentice being observed doing a task Records of phone calls Question and answer sessions with the assessor There are many different ways of gathering evidence depending on the job role and the level of NVQ. The Assessor and Course Tutor will help with ideas. Once evidence is being collected for the NVQ, the apprentice will soon find evidence opportunities for themselves. If in doubt, we advise to keep everything in the portfolio and discuss it with the Course Tutor or Assessor. Entry Criteria Apprentices need to be working a minimum of 16 hours a week as a health care assistant (HCA)/ support worker or theatre assistant 9
Internal Applicants The applicants should have their manager s permission to apply for the course as it requires a day release attendance at college and support from a practice based clinical assessor/mentor. The applicant will be invited for an interview and if the applicant is successful, whilst studying on the course, they remain employed in the same clinical area. External Applicants These applicants are interviewed by the apprenticeship and college team and are assisted to find themselves a suitable position via HR if available as an HCA with one of the Health Care Trusts. These applicants may work full or part time. If part time they need to work the minimum of 16 hrs a week. They also remain on the same workplace/area for the duration of the course. The external applicant will need to be in post when the programme commences. Course Costs There maybe course costs attached depending on individual circumstances and existing qualifications. Initial Assessment At the initial interview the Apprentice will undertake initial assessments to establish any learning needs, which will determine the level of Key Skills and type of programme to follow. Support Following assessment, if it is found that additional support is required, then a programme customised to meet the Apprentice s individual needs will be arranged. This may be in the form of one to one support, or on a group basis. Counselling is also available within the college, if this type of support is needed. Roles and Responsibilities There are a whole team of people involved in helping the Apprentice achieve their Apprenticeship framework:- The Apprentice By deciding to start an Apprenticeship framework they are agreeing:- To be responsible for their learning with the support of the Course Tutor, Assessor and Training Co-ordinator To attend all classes as timetabled 10
To complete work on time and to the best of their ability To accept College rules on responsible behaviour while at College, on College transport and while taking part in College activities elsewhere To abide by the requirements of College policies which can be found on the intranet/student pages/student policies To observe health and safety rules To accept action recommended as a result of failing to fulfil the above conditions, e.g. course transfer, counselling or disciplinary procedure where appropriate. To work with their manager/supervisor to the best of their ability and as part of their employment contract fulfilling their normal roles and responsibilities To attend reviews as required The Tutors The Tutors are committed to providing;- A safe and healthy environment in which to study Access or guidance to a course of study appropriate to the Apprentices abilities, needs and aspirations An introduction to the College and the Apprenticeship. A personal timetable Support and help to set personal goals during time in College Suitably qualified teaching staff and good quality learning resources. Access to the College s full range of support services including careers and higher education Guidance, counselling and learning support Reviews of progress at least once a term. The right to equality of opportunities as laid down in the College policy Opportunities for the Apprentice to be able to comment on the services provided by the College A fair hearing and prompt action in cases of grievance or complaint The Assessor The NVQ Assessor is committed to:- Supporting and advising the Apprentice in gathering evidence Judging the evidence against national standards Deciding when the Apprentice has proved they are competent for each Unit and Element 11
Observing them in the workplace at agreed times with the Apprentice and their employer The Training Co-ordinator The Training Co-coordinators will work closely with The Apprentice, their Manager, the College Tutors and Assessors throughout. This is the role of the NHS Clinical Teacher Team whose contact number is found at the start of this booklet. The Training Co-ordinators will:- Agree a training programme (Individual Learning Plan) with the Apprentice and the employer. Deliver the Reflective Practice Health Care related units at college, setting and marking assignments for the Apprentice. They also work clinically with the Apprentices to assess the clinical competencies from the Reflective Practice Units. Provide support to work based mentors/supervisors. Ensure the Apprentice is able to gain the experience and skills necessary to achieve their apprenticeship. Bring together the NVQ, Technical Certificate, Key Skills, and any Additional Qualifications of the Apprenticeship to deliver an integrated programme. Review the progress with the Apprentice and their employer at least every 10 weeks and more frequently if required, to ensure that there are no concerns at work and at college, and the progress is on target. Provide support throughout the Apprenticeship and help with any problems no matter how small. Ensure national quality standards are maintained. Provide the administration for the Apprenticeship framework. Make arrangements for obtaining certificates for Apprentices who successfully complete their framework. The College will inform the employer of any absenteeism that occurs without a satisfactory explanation from the Apprentice concerned. The Manager The role of the manager is to: Provide the Apprentice with the training and work opportunities they need to prove their competence and achieve their Apprenticeship framework Encourage the Apprentice and take part in regular review meetings with the Training Co-ordinator 12
Support the Apprentice towards successful completion of the Apprenticeship framework. Provide a work based mentor /supervisor to assess clinical competencies from Reflective Practice Units. A separate booklet is available for information regarding assessment of clinical competencies for managers, mentors/supervisors. Individual Learning Plan The Apprentice will follow a programme of training as set out in their Individual Learning Plan (ILP). A copy will be given to the Apprentice and their manager at the start of their Apprenticeship. If the ILP is revised during the Apprenticeship the Apprentice and their employer will be required to sign this, and they will be both provided with an updated copy. The ILP stays in the file at College, until the Apprentice finishes their Apprenticeship. WIDENING ACCESS SECONDMENT FUNDING In the past NHS employees, who have worked in the NHS for 12 months (continuous employment) have able to seek potential secondment funding from their employing organisation onto the pre-registration courses for Nursing and Midwifery at Oxford Brookes University. The trust is reimbursed 80% of the costs of the clinical support worker salary from South Central (Strategic Health Authority). From the start of the academic year all trusts seconding members of staff onto any pre registration programmes will be required to match the 80% funding with 20% to ensure that the member of staff gets 100% of the salary that they were seconded on. Furthermore it is now an agreed policy across the Thames Valley that no student receiving funding should be required to work back their time for the duration of their training. The Apprenticeship Programme is separate from widening access secondment funding. It is made very clear to all apprentices at interview that although secondment funding is potentially available should they meet certain criteria, it is not guaranteed and is only given in negotiation at clinical manager/directorate level. The Apprenticeship Team will discuss potential secondment funding with all clinical managers and/or directorate managers to explore if funding is potentially available for the apprentice and to assist the apprentice, if necessary with finding alternative funding should secondment funding not be available. 13