Apprenticeships

Your Apprenticeship in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities

We offer Apprentice Health Care Support Worker (HSW) posts in our Mental Health and Learning Disability Services at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. We are the leading provider of specialist mental health and learning disability services in Leeds. We also provide specialist services across York, the Yorkshire and Humber region, and some highly specialised national services. By choosing an apprenticeship with us, you will gain a diploma qualification in Adult Social Care and a wealth of experience and hands-on knowledge.

Building your future within the NHS

Start your career in the NHS with an apprenticeship, which provides a route into a wide variety of careers. You’re able to gain work experience and achieve a nationally-recognised qualification that will set you up for a rewarding future working in the NHS.

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Jo Third, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Manager at LYPFT

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start a new career. They provide some really valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and experience while earning a salary. Apprenticeships are often just the starting point of a long and successful career in the NHS. We have seen apprentices progress into senior management positions and we’ve also seen some find their perfect role and stay doing what they really enjoy. There really is something for everyone.”

We offer Apprentice Health Care Support Worker (HSW) posts in our Mental Health and Learning Disability Services.

The L2 Apprenticeship in Adult Social Care is an 18-month programme. You will be working 37.5 hours a week in mental health or learning disability services. Here you will complete a Level 2 Diploma in Adult Social Care and certificates in Maths and English if required. We currently provide the learning element of the apprenticeship remotely online. We support you with a tutor and a workplace buddy throughout the apprenticeship period.

An apprentice health care support worker in mental health and learning disabilities is often the team member spending the most time with service users. So the relationships and trust you develop are really important.

In mental health, you will be working alongside a nurse or allied health professional within a multidisciplinary team to deliver direct care to service users. You will learn to support vulnerable people with many aspects of their day to day living, helping them take care of themselves and live a fulfilled life.

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:

  • Aged 18 or over (some limited options for 16-17 year olds)
  • Right to work in the UK permit
  • Not currently undertaking another apprenticeship
  • Entry level numeracy and literacy

Meet one of our apprentices Sian

Sian Leese-Hook is undertaking her apprenticeship as a support worker in our Specialised Supported Living Service. Watch this video to get an insight into her experiences.

Benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship with us
  • Potential offer of permanent employment at the end of the apprenticeship period
  • Continue your studies through an apprenticeship at a higher level with the potential option to university
  • Support people to live their lives to the fullest
Hear from some of our apprentices

Donna Moody, aged 48, is currently undertaking a Level 3 Health and Social Care Apprenticeship. Once her Level 3 apprenticeship is completed, she hopes to progress into a Nursing Associate role and qualify as a nurse.

“I feel like I have a lot of love and care to give. This is something I never thought I would want to do until I got the opportunity with my first apprenticeship.”

Tom Weir is currently undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship in Senior Healthcare Support. He has been involved in helping his team adapt to the ever-changing guidance after starting in February 2020, just before the first Covid-19 lockdown. He has received positive feedback on his training to date during this difficult time.

“My apprenticeship will make me officially qualified for this job and will enable me to look ahead in terms of next steps and career progression opportunities.”

Faye Robertson is currently in her second year as a Nursing Associate. She undertook this apprenticeship to help bridge the gap to become a nurse.

“This apprenticeship has enabled me to earn a wage while studying for my future career to become a qualified nurse. If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship, make sure it is the right time for you, and you have to be dedicated to the studying.”

Lauren Franklin is doing a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship after it was recommended to her by a senior leader in her team.

“This apprenticeship is an opportunity to back my project management/support experience and knowledge with a formal qualification and theory. Although only two months into my apprenticeship, I am really proud of the team management skills I am learning and trying to implement from my position in understanding people’s motives, working styles and communication styles. I am hoping to keep utilising this knowledge and work on my own communication style. This area of knowledge is something I didn’t expect to learn on this course! I’ve got two pieces of advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship.

  1. Make sure you research the company/university/college hosting your apprenticeship and make sure they fit your learning style and will match with your current working style.
  2. Ensure the qualification will benefit your current role but will also benefit your career in the long run.”