Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of health and public services has become more crucial than ever. Here are five key points about their significance and the benefits of degree apprenticeships:
- Health and public services staff have been at the frontline, tirelessly supporting the vulnerable and those at society’s margins.
- Social workers have collaborated with healthcare and voluntary sectors to provide essential support solutions.
- Public Health England has been pivotal in assessing and managing disease risks and mitigating impacts on those with poor health outcomes.
- Biomedical scientists have played a vital role in understanding the virus and aiding the development of treatments and vaccines.
- Degree apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to up-skill staff, combining academic study with practical on-the-job training.
There has never been a more significant time for excellent health and public services staff. These professionals have been at the heart of the UK’s frontline response to the COVID-19 crisis, tirelessly working to support those in need, particularly the vulnerable and those at society’s margins.
Beyond the NHS frontline, numerous other crucial roles across health and public services have united to combat the pandemic. Social workers, in collaboration with healthcare and voluntary sectors, have delivered essential support and solutions. They have balanced caring for others with necessary interventions. Currently, social work services are more crucial than ever, especially with the increase in domestic abuse and mental health issues exacerbated by lockdowns.
The pandemic has also pushed public health into the spotlight. Public Health England has played a crucial role in responding to COVID-19, with public health practitioners assessing and managing disease risks and working to prevent premature deaths. These professionals have been vital in planning and responding to the pandemic, focusing on mitigating potential impacts on those with the poorest health outcomes.
Biomedical scientists have been indispensable in understanding the virus’s nature and structure. Their research is essential for developing treatments and vaccines. While many services have paused due to the pandemic, a surge in treatment demand is anticipated, particularly in fields like podiatry, which already faces a significant staff and skill shortfall.
Health and public services have come together during the pandemic, bringing their crucial skill sets to the forefront. Degree apprenticeships provide a cost-effective method to up-skill staff while they continue working, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge practically. This combination of academic study and on-the-job training is an excellent way to attract and retain talent, increase productivity, and boost workforce skill levels. Depending on the organisation’s size, these apprenticeships can be fully funded through the apprenticeship levy or via government co-investment.
Degree apprenticeships present a valuable opportunity for health and public services to develop and retain a skilled workforce poised for future challenges.