It is now nearly 12 months since the first Level 5 apprentices began training through the FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Higher Apprenticeship Route), specialising in Mammography. During this time, breast imaging services across the UK have continued to face significant pressure, with growing demand across both screening and symptomatic pathways. As departments work to expand capacity, improve resilience and protect the quality of patient care, early experience suggests that this apprenticeship is already making a meaningful contribution to the workforce.
The apprenticeship is designed around the needs of breast imaging services. It builds on the success of the Level 4 Mammography Associate role and provides a structured route for skilled support staff to extend their scope of practice. With additional training in supplementary mammographic views, interventional support and additional quality assurance responsibilities, Level 5 Assistant Practitioners can take on a wider range of tasks that directly relieve pressure on radiographers.
For imaging departments, the introduction of Level 5 practitioners is already making a tangible difference. As apprentices develop their skills, radiographers are able to dedicate more time to complex tasks and procedures, as well as service development. This added flexibility strengthens both screening and symptomatic services, helps teams respond to increasing demand and supports longer-term workforce planning at a time when recruitment pressures remain a challenge.
For staff taking up the apprenticeship, it provides the opportunity for career progression. Many Mammography Associates reach the limits of what they can do at Level 4, despite having the ambition and potential to contribute more. The Level 5 pathway gives them that step up, building greater confidence and broader clinical competence.
The apprenticeship is also a cost-effective option for Trusts, with the university costs fully fundable through the Apprenticeship Levy. This offers services a practical and financially viable way to develop staff, retain talent and build a stable, experienced workforce.
Delivered through a collaborative education model, the University of Greater Manchester provides the core health and social care curriculum, with the National Breast Imaging Academy, St George’s National Breast Education Centre and The Jarvis/InHealth delivering two six-week modules of dedicated mammography during the programme. The apprentice’s employer plays a vital role in supporting on-the-job learning through structured clinical supervision.
Commenting on the value of the partnership, Helen Higginson, Apprenticeship Development Manager at the University of Greater Manchester said:
“The apprenticeship brings together the University, specialist breast education centres and NHS Trusts in a genuinely collaborative way. This three-way partnership ensures each apprentice receives a rich blend of academic knowledge, specialist technical training and practical clinical experience ensuring apprentices are confident and fully equipped to contribute effectively within breast imaging services.”
Commenting on the contribution of the apprenticeship to the breast imaging workforce of the future, Lyndsay Kinnear, NBIA Radiography Lead, said:
“The introduction of the Level 5 apprenticeship is a significant step forward, offering a clear progression route for mammography associates and helping to safeguarding the future of breast imaging services. We are already seeing the positive impact this role can have, and it will play a key part in shaping the future of the breast imaging workforce in England.”