Finding the right talent in a competitive employment market is a challenge for the healthcare industry. According to the OECD Skills for Jobs database, 26% of the UK workforce is underqualified for their occupation, compared to the OECD average of 18%. This shortage makes it increasingly difficult for healthcare organisations to secure the skills they need.
To tackle the long-standing skills gap, healthcare organisations need to invest in upskilling their existing workforce. The urgency to find skilled professionals today, rather than waiting for future talent pipelines, has made degree apprenticeships a critical solution. These programmes enable individuals to earn while learning, gaining practical, industry-relevant experience, while achieving a degree qualification.
However, misconceptions surrounding degree apprenticeships have led to hesitation amongst some organisations. Here, we dispel these myths and highlight the long-term benefits degree apprenticeships can offer the healthcare industry.
Myth: Degree apprenticeships are only for school leavers
One common misconception is that degree apprenticeships are exclusively for young people entering the workforce. However, these programmes are valuable for professionals at all career stages. The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’, emphasising the importance of degree apprenticeships as a tool for lifelong learning.
Reality: Degree apprenticeships are a great way to invest in upskilling existing talent
These programmes help employees reach their full potential and ensure they’re able to navigate the industry’s evolving demands.
They also offer a clear progression pathway for employees, fostering improved retention and enhancing employer branding. Additionally, degree apprenticeships play a crucial role in enhancing workplace diversity, particularly in leadership roles.
Providing an alternative route to higher education through degree apprenticeships opens doors for individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. It allows these individuals to access degree-level learning, which may not have been possible earlier in life.
Myth: The learning is too generic and not relevant to healthcare
Some employers worry that degree apprenticeship curriculums are too broad and fail to address industry-specific challenges. However, some higher education institutions will design tailored programmes that directly align with sector needs.
Reality: Sector-specific courses are available
For example, some healthcare-specific degree apprenticeship courses enable students to tackle real-life healthcare challenges through practical assessments, ensuring theoretical knowledge is immediately applicable.
Additionally, in this 2024 Voices From the Frontline research report, 95% of participating employers believe that degree apprenticeships help them to achieve strategic goals, demonstrating their value in addressing sector-specific skill gaps.
Myth: Apprenticeships limit career progression
Another myth suggests that apprenticeships confine employees to a single career path, limiting their long-term prospects.
Reality: Apprenticeships help develop a multitude of transferable skills
A well-structured degree apprenticeship programme fosters the development of transferable soft skills, such as leadership, problem-solving and adaptability. These competencies enable employees to specialise further or explore new roles within the industry, enhancing workforce flexibility and encouraging lateral hiring.
Myth: Employees will leave after completing their apprenticeship
A key concern for businesses is that employees will leave after completing their apprenticeship. However, research suggests otherwise.
Reality: The majority stick around
On average, 61% of apprentices remain with their employer for at least five years after completing their studies. Additionally, further research also indicates that businesses offering higher-level apprenticeships experience greater employee retention rates compared with those providing lower-level qualifications.
By engaging in a structured learning journey, employees cultivate a habit of continuous learning. In fact, 93% of apprentices go into work or further training after completing their apprenticeship. This lifelong learning mindset helps them to adapt to evolving industry demands and technological advancements.
Learning and development initiatives, such as degree apprenticeships, enhance job satisfaction and retention, ensuring businesses benefit from their employees' newly acquired skills over the long term.
The role of degree apprenticeships in tackling healthcare’s long-standing talent challenge
With ongoing workforce shortages, degree apprenticeships offer a structured way for healthcare organisations to build a pipeline of skilled workers. Employers can directly address skill gaps by training employees in specific competencies that meet their organisation’s needs. Higher-level apprenticeships also prepare employees for leadership roles, while equipping them with the managerial and technical expertise necessary for career progression.
Beyond their impact on individual employees, degree apprenticeships also contribute to organisational success.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, it’s clear that investing in apprenticeships isn’t just about developing individuals – it’s about ensuring the long-term success of the healthcare industry. By embracing degree apprenticeships, healthcare organisations can cultivate a workforce prepared to meet evolving challenges, drive innovation and deliver exceptional patient care.
