A new Level 5 Assistant Practitioner foundation degree apprenticeship, specialising in mammography, will commence in January 2025. The new apprenticeship will support experienced assistant practitioners and mammography associates develop their skills and knowledge in breast imaging, offering new potential for career progression.
The new apprenticeship will be provided by the University of Bolton, working in partnership with InHealth/Jarvis National Education and Training Centre, the National Breast Imaging Academy at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and St George’s National Breast Education Centre.
Commenting on the new apprenticeship, Lyndsay Kinnear, National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) Radiographic Lead and Chair of the NBIA Radiography Working Group said:
“The new foundation degree level apprenticeship is a major step in our commitment to grow and develop the mammography workforce. It provides a fantastic opportunity for mammography associates to progress into the assistant practitioner role This apprenticeship will support the development of skills and knowledge in breast imaging for experienced assistant practitioners and mammography associates.
Assistant practitioners will be empowered to work at the top of their scope of practice, which will then allow radiographers to focus on developing enhanced and advanced skills.
A spokesperson for the Society of Radiographers said:
“The Level 5 foundation degree level apprenticeship marks a significant milestone in the joint ambition of the Society of Radiographers and mammography colleagues to establish a career progression pathway that enables non-registered support and assistant practitioners in the breast imaging workforce to advance into highly skilled roles within breast imaging.”
Commenting on the application process, Lyndsay added:
“We are now accepting expressions of interest from those interested applying for the apprenticeship. The expression of interest form can be found here. It will need to be completed and signed by both the applicant and apprentice and employer.
There will be two enrolments into the level 5 apprenticeship each year, with the first cohort commencing on the 9th January 2025.