Step ahead with the new dental nursing apprenticeships

Finding people with the right skills can be a common barrier for business stability and growth, but with the new Advanced Apprenticeship programmes you can select individuals from the local area and ‘grow your own talent’ in house.

The recently approved Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing has been designed by leading employers within the dental sector to train individuals in the specific skills that they need in order to prosper. The programme is delivered by Healthcare Learning, a leading supplier of dental education, in partnership with Barnet and Southgate College, which has successfully provided first class apprenticeship courses for many years.

Apprentices are trained using a combination of practical work-based learning and theoretical knowledge. The main part of the programme is the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing which is equivalent to two A levels. With on-going support from the provider, candidates are required to complete 15 mandatory units via paperless portfolio. This is delivered through high quality live webinars, interactive eLearning and online assessments from Healthcare Learning. This format means that delegates are able to gain the knowledge and understanding they need to perform their duties competently from any location within the UK.

Apprentices are required to attend just three to four classroom-based workshops over the 18-month course and on-going assessments take place in the workplace.

A clear advantage of apprenticeship programmes is that it allows practices to train capable dental nurses at the practice with very little disruption to business operations. Candidates learn in the work environment, developing the practical skills, experience and understanding they need to excel in their role. In addition, training your team through the new apprenticeship programmes is not expensive. The government has pledged to really drive apprenticeships forward over the next few years and currently candidates pay no fees and funding initiatives have been created to make the schemes both attractive and economical for employers.

The advantages for apprentices are numerous. Candidates have the opportunity to earn a salary and receive on the job training, gain a nationally recognised and industry standard qualification while learning the specific skills they need to succeed in their chosen career, all within their local area. Throughout the apprenticeship programme candidates will benefit from the support and encouragement of their employer and practice colleagues. They will also be assigned a course mentor and have access to comprehensive training support such as the Dental Nurse Education Zone (DNEZ) provided by Healthcare Learning, offering them additional help and resources needed to complete their studies and maintain their skills effectively. Upon completion, apprentices are able to register with the GDC and begin a professional career in dentistry and it also provides a means to progress and take further training in the future.

Apprenticeship programmes offer a fantastic opportunity for you to attract the best entry-level recruits directly from the local community. They also allow practices to build links to local schools and colleges and to the pool of skills needed to drive your business successfully into the future.

The Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing programme is delivered by Healthcare Learning and Barnet and Southgate College in London with start dates in early 2016 and periodically throughout the year.

For more information or applications contact Healthcare Learning

 Tel: 020 7400 8989

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact Barnet and Southgate College at:

www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk

020 8266 4000

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