UCB health and care apprenticeships are fit for future

UCB partnered with the National Skills Academy to sponsor an event for those working in the primary care industry. 

The event, entitled Primary Care Workforce – Fit for Future, was a chance for CCGs, federations, practices and primary care provider groups to review the current status of the primary care environment and formulate ideas for developing a primary care workforce fit for future. 

One of the key findings from this event is that Physicians Associates (PAs) and Clinical Pharmacists (CPs) can offer a new way forward for helping GPs manage their workload. Evidence presented by speakers such as Jim Parle, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Birmingham and Peter Presland, Excellence Centre Coordinator (Midlands Area) for the National Skills Council, suggested that it may take time to train the number of PAs and CPs to relieve Primary Care work pressure. 

To support the Primary Care sector, UCB are offering health and care apprenticeships in Clinical Healthcare Support and Care Leadership and Management. This will help people develop the skills and knowledge they need to be able to treat patients and work alongside GPs to alleviate their current workload. 

Dr Peter Patel, Primary Care Development Support Lead, Birmingham South Central CCG and Executive Member of the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC), said: “The apprentice training initiatives offered by UCB will have a major role in developing new skills and health care staff for Primary Care. These training places are offered free of charge to GP practices in the region and Practice Managers should take this opportunity to strengthen their workforce and competencies. 

“UCB, NAPC, Birmingham South Central CCG, Health Education England WM and National Skills Academy have all agreed to move forward through partnership to develop a Primary Care workforce fit for future.”