Level 5 assistant practitioner specialising in mammography apprenticeship to open

A new Level 5 Assistant Practitioner foundation degree apprenticeship has been announced, specialising in mammography and commencing in January 2025. 

This new apprenticeship will support experienced assistant practitioners and mammography associates to develop their skills and knowledge in breast imaging, offering new potential for career progression.

Provided by the University of Bolton, the apprenticeship is working in partnership with InHealth/Jarvis National Education and Training Centre, and the National Breast Imaging Academy at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and St George’s National Breast Education Centre.

'A major step for the workforce'

Commenting on the new apprenticeship, Lyndsay Kinnear, National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) radiographic lead and chair of the NBIA Radiography Working Group said: “The new foundation degree level apprenticeship is a major step in our commitment to grow and develop the mammography workforce. 

“It provides a fantastic opportunity for mammography associates to progress into the assistant practitioner role. This apprenticeship will support the development of skills and knowledge in breast imaging for experienced assistant practitioners and mammography associates.”

Assistant practitioners will be empowered to work at the top of their scope of practice, which will then allow radiographers to focus on developing enhanced and advanced skills.

'A significant milestone'

A spokesperson for the Society of Radiographers said: “The Level 5 foundation degree level apprenticeship marks a significant milestone in the joint ambition of the Society of Radiographers and mammography colleagues to establish a career progression pathway that enables non-registered support and assistant practitioners in the breast imaging workforce to advance into highly skilled roles within breast imaging.”

Lyndsay Kinnear added: “We are now accepting expressions of interest from those interested applying for the apprenticeship. The expression of interest form can be found here. It will need to be completed and signed by both the applicant and apprentice and employer.”

There will be two enrolments into the level 5 apprenticeship each year, with the first cohort commencing on the 9 January 2025.

More information can be found here.

(Image: By the National Breast Imaging Academy)