The number of certificates issued for the successful completion of Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care has tripled in the last two years and increased six-fold since the start of the new millennium.

Around 500 Apprentices per month are being awarded completion certificates in England and Wales alone.  Adult Apprenticeships are also on the increase, with over 70 being successfully completed during 2007.

Skills for Health - the Sector Skills Council for the NHS, independent and voluntary healthcare sectors - made the figures public following a statement from the Prime Minister, who told a conference in London that he wants to see “a new national effort and mobilisation to win the skills race” involving an increase in the number of Apprentices from 1 in 15 to 1 in 5.

Speaking on behalf of Skills for Health, Chief Executive, John Rogers said:

“Healthcare employers are already doing a great job in supporting Apprenticeships - opening up opportunities for young people as well as addressing workforce needs.  But there is still more that can be done. 

“If we want to continue to improve patient care and deliver high quality services we need to make sure we have the right people - with the right skills - in the right place - at the right time.  Apprenticeships can help us to achieve this.  There has never been a better time for action.  The new legislation to raise the minimum age at which young people can leave education or training will encourage them to consider Apprenticeships as an option – giving employers access to an increased pool of untapped talent.”

For further information about health-related Apprenticeships visit www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

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