Apprenticeships in General Practice
Apprenticeships are a flexible and cost-effective way to recruit, develop and retain staff within General Practice. They combine paid employment with structured learning, enabling both new and existing staff to gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for their role.
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions, from support worker and nursing roles through to advanced clinical practice and leadership programmes. They provide an excellent opportunity to grow your own workforce, support career progression and invest in the long-term sustainability of your organisation.
South Yorkshire Apprenticeships Hub
The South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub works closely with the South Yorkshire Apprenticeships Hub, which offers free, impartial advice and support to employers considering apprenticeships. Information available from the Apprenticeships Hub includes:
- Identifying suitable apprenticeship opportunities for your workforce
- Advice on apprenticeship standards and qualifications
- Guidance on apprenticeship funding and levy transfers
- Support with recruiting and employing apprentices
- Introductions to apprenticeship training providers
- Ongoing advice throughout the apprenticeship journey
Whether you are looking to recruit a new apprentice or develop an existing member of staff, the Apprenticeships Hub can help you understand the options available and find the most appropriate route for your organisation. Visit the South Yorkshire Apprenticeships Hub for information, guidance and support: South Yorkshire Apprenticeships Hub
NHSE Levy Transfer Service
If you are employing a primary care apprentice and would like to access funding to cover their apprenticeship training costs, you may be eligible for support through the NHS England Levy Transfer Service. The service matches non-levy paying employers with organisations that have unused apprenticeship levy funds available, helping to cover up to 100% of training costs. Once you have secured a place on an apprenticeship programme, click the link below for information on how to submit your request for levy transfer funding: NHSE Levy Transfer Service
Further information
For information on specific apprenticeship pathways in primary care, please see:
FLIP - Future Leaders and Innovators Programme
The South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub have been working in conjunction with an apprenticeship provider,
The Link, to create a new apprenticeship which will be fully funded and should offer a very good alternative to the Level 3 Team Leader and Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager apprenticeships which are no longer being funded by the Government.
Due to start in October 2026, FLIP – Future Leaders and Innovators Programme – equips leaders to confidently manage improvement projects, develop their teams, and drive meaningful change. Through practical tools, reflective leadership development and real world project delivery, participants strengthen capability, enhance collaboration, and create measurable service improvements. It’s a focused, accredited route for leaders who want to grow, support others and positively impact outcomes within their departments and across the organisation. Upon completion, learners will achieve a Level 4 Apprenticeship, an ILM Level 5 Certificate. This is an 18 month programme with one day a month in person, taught session at our training space, Studio 1 in Sheffield.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is on the job training leading to a national qualification, available for both new and existing staff.
There are different levels of apprenticeships, from intermediate and advanced to higher and degree levels.
Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.
How do apprenticeships work?
Apprentices must spend a minimum of 20% of their time on off-the-job training, which must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship framework/standard.
This can be delivered at the apprentice’s normal place or work, but it must not be part of their normal working duties.
Employers can offer apprenticeships to new entrants or use them to grow talent from among current employees.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
The apprentice must:
- be aged 16 years or over
- have employer’s support to undertake the course
- have Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English e.g. GCSE at Grade C/4 and above or equivalent
- spend at least 20% of their time off-job-training
- be paid for time spent in training or studying for relevant qualification
- learn job-specific skills
What are the benefits to employers?
Apprenticeships are a productive way for businesses to grow talent, developing a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce.
They are cost-effective, as employers get between 95%-100% of course fees paid through the apprenticeship levy.
Learning can be applied immediately in the workplace, delivering meaningful impact to the organisation and driving performance and productivity.
Investing in staff professional development through an apprenticeship increases employee satisfaction and can boost retention.
How does apprenticeship funding work?
Apprentices are funded through the Apprenticeships levy. Employers with a wage bill over £3 million per year must pay the levy and use this to fund apprenticeships. For non-levy paying organisations there are two methods of funding apprentices:
1) Government Co-investment
The employer pays 5% of the training costs to the training provider, the government pays 95%. Employers also need to cover their apprentice’s salary.
2) Levy Transfer
Large levy-paying employers may transfer some of their unused annual levy, these transfers cover 100% of training costs direct to the training provider. Employers still need to cover the apprentice’s salary. Levy transfer requests can be made through the Digital Account Service (DAS)
How do I reserve apprenticeship funding?
If your business has not had apprentices before, you must register for the Apprenticeship Digital Account Service (DAS). You will need to set up as a user, complete a security check, add your PAYE details and read & sign the ESFA employer agreement to use your account.
Once your DAS account is set up, you can add your apprentice’s details/ course information – you will be able to reserve funding six months prior to their start date.
Employers can make and use up to 10 funding reservations at any one time.
What support is available for apprenticeships in primary care?
The South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub are available to support primary care employers in the region through the following ways:
- Advising on additional funding that can be gained for specific apprenticeships/ government incentives
- Signposting to Apprenticeship resources
- Signposting to Apprenticeship providers in the local area
Page last updated: 17/06/2026
