CSP position statement on apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are one way in which the physiotherapy workforce development can be increased and sustained to meet growing population health needs. They can also provide opportunities for career progression at all levels.  

Our long-term vision is that a greater proportion of prospective learners and members of the physiotherapy workforce across the UK have access to high-quality apprenticeships. 

Principles for effective and sustainable apprenticeships 

The CSP believes there are seven core principles that should be followed for effective and sustainable implementation of apprenticeships. They focus on:

1. Workforce Planning: Apprenticeships should be part of strategic medium- and long-term workforce planning. 
2. Apprenticeship salary: Apprentices should be paid a fair wage. 
3. Career progression and retention: Apprenticeships can be used to provide structured progression route.
4. Growing diversity in the profession: Apprenticeships are one enabler to improved diversity within the profession.
5. Apprenticeship funding: Apprenticeship funding models should cover the cost of delivery and support sustained provision. 
6. Upholding the quality of patient care: Apprentices are learners and should receive appropriate supervision, training and mentorship. 
7. Apprenticeships should be of high educational quality: This applies to all levels of apprenticeship and Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeships must meet CSP Quality Assurance requirements. 

Apprenticeship developments are currently further progressed in England than in the other UK countries. We are keen to ensure that learning on apprenticeship development and implementation across the UK is shared, recognising that apprenticeship structures and processes will be different in each nation.  

Download our position statement in full below, along with our guidance documents on the Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprenticeship and our expectations of delivery of the physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.