A Trailblazer group made up of representatives from a large number of employers has been working on the new apprenticeship for a couple of years. And thanks to their work, we now have a national apprenticeship programme that will offer a nationally-recognised standard through which to develop a career in audiology.
While the HAD apprenticeship standard is not intended to provide eligibility to apply for HCPC registration on its own, the standard is mapped to the HCPC standards of proficiency and the scope of practice and standards set out by BSHAA, the professional body.
It is expected that the first opportunities to become an apprentice HAD will become available later this year.
BSHAA president Andrew Coulter said: “One of the most pressing tasks for us all is to encourage more people into our profession, so this is great news. The Level 5 HAD apprenticeship will open up this fantastic career to more people and help us collectively to meet population needs. Huge congratulations to the Trailblazer group and all other stakeholders that have made this possible.”
The Trailblazer group – chaired by David Rist of Hidden Hearing – was formed of representatives from the following employers: Boots Hearingcare, Specsavers Hearing Centres, Amplifon, Hidden Hearing, Scrivens, Bloom, Claritas Group, UK Hearing Care, Chime, Correct Hearing, Sonetik UK, The Outside Clinic and Isle of Man Hearing Solutions. The group had the full support of BSHAA.
You can find full details about the apprenticeship on the Institute’s website