Five levels of apprenticeship in England
Five levels of apprenticeship in podiatry
In England there are five main levels of apprenticeship that are either emerging or establised in podiatry-related roles supporting the full career pathway. 
The five levels are:
- Support workforce: Healthcare support worker (Level 3) apprenticeship
- Support workforce: Assistant Practitioner (Level 5) apprenticeship
- Registration level: Podiatrist (Level 6/7/0 BSc(Hons)/MSc pre-registration apprenticeship
- Enhanced practice: Podiatry (Level 6) apprenticeship modules
- Advanced clinical practice (ACP) (Level 7) apprenticeship: including Master of podiatric surgery apprenticeship
- Download the Standard for Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) from the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education
- See course details for Master of podiatric surgery (advanced clinical practice apprenticeship) at University of Huddersfield
- See the the Royal College of Podiatry's pages on Podatric surgery.
Apprenticeships and the supply of podiatrists
The NHS People Plan is also clear about shortages in the NHS podiatric workforce where an increased supply is seen as needed. In addition, the NHS Long Term Plan highlights many areas relevant for podiatry practice including prevention, ageing well, diabetes and respiratory conditions. Apprenticeships provide a sustainable solution to the increasing demand on the profession.
Whilst the employer meets the cost of the apprentice salary, 100% of the apprentice programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy accessed through your apprenticeship lead in a NHS Trust. Private sector employees can access government funding for 95% of the academic costs with support from the education provider.
Apprenticeship programmes in podiatry will support retention in the foot healthcare workforce as they offer the opportunity to attract health and social care staff into the profession, as well as to ‘grow’ existing support staff, so rewarding their commitment and experience with career development.
Many potential apprentices have long term ties with their local area and are therefore more likely to stay on post qualification. HEE statistics suggest as many as 77% stay with their employer.
Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for organisations to grow talent and develop a diverse, skilled and motivated workforce – both from existing staff and new entrants. They provide an opportunity for young people, school leavers and more mature people to enter the profession without the potential barrier of self-funding.