We’re pleased to be joining in National Apprenticeship Week, this 5-11 February 2024, shining a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
It’s five years since the Mammography Associate (MA) apprenticeship was developed by the Mammography Associate Trailblazer Group, comprising NHS and academic experts, the Society and College of Radiographers and Public Health England, led by Lyndsay Kinnear, our Radiographic Lead and Chair of the NBIA Radiography Working Group here at the NBIA.
Since then, the MA apprenticeship programme has gone from strength to strength adding extra capacity to the mammography workforce in England, helping to improve access to breast screening, diagnosis and treatment.
In the last year, we reached the milestone of 100 MAs in post across the country and the NBIA is soon to welcome our 10th cohort of apprentices to our MA apprenticeship programme, delivered by NHS England North East and Yorkshire, in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Commenting on the value of apprenticeships to the mammography workforce, Lyndsay Kinnear said:
“The apprenticeship programme is immensely valuable in widening opportunities for people to access a career in breast imaging. We have seen apprentices from many different backgrounds starting their mammography career at different stages of their lives which is fantastic for them and for the boost to the mammography workforce.”
Mammography Associates play a crucial role within the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) and symptomatic services. They perform routine two-view mammography, producing consistently high-quality images that meet the rigorous standards set by the NHSBSP.
Find out more on the Mammography Associates section of our website.