The first cohort of Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Higher Apprenticeship Route, specialising in Mammography have successfully completed their apprenticeship marking an important milestone in creating new career development opportunities within the breast imaging workforce.
Ten apprentices from breast imaging services across England have now completed the programme, achieving exceptional results. The cohort will graduate next year with a Foundation Degree from the University of Greater Manchester.
The apprentices are based in NHS Trusts across the country, demonstrating the national reach of the programme. Participating organisations include:
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust
- Whittington Health NHS Trust
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust
- Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
- North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
The apprenticeship was introduced to provide a clear progression route for Mammography Associates and Assistant Practitioners, enabling them to develop advanced skills that support breast imaging services and strengthen workforce capacity. It builds on the success of the Level 4 Mammography Associate Apprenticeship and allows learners to expand their scope of practice through additional training in areas such as supplementary mammographic views, interventional support and quality assurance.
One of the key strengths of the programme has been its accessibility. Academic teaching was delivered online through the University of Greater Manchester, while specialist mammography education was provided by NBIA, St George’s National Breast Education Centre and The Jarvis/InHealth through dedicated mammography modules. This approach enabled apprentices from across England, including the Isle of Wight, to take part without the need to travel regularly to Bolton, making specialist career development opportunities available to a much wider workforce.
The success of the first cohort highlights both the commitment of the apprentices and the support provided by their employing organisations through workplace supervision and learning opportunities. It also demonstrates the value of apprenticeship-based training in developing skilled practitioners who can take on a broader range of responsibilities within breast imaging services.
Commenting on the achievement of the first cohort, Lyndsay Kinnear, NBIA Radiography Lead, said:
“These results are a fantastic achievement and reflect the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the apprentices and the support they have received from their departments. The Level 5 apprenticeship provides an important progression route for Mammography Associates, helping individuals develop their skills and confidence while supporting services to build a sustainable and resilient workforce. We are delighted to see the first cohort complete the programme and look forward to following their future careers.”