Health promotion specialist apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying directly
University
You could do a degree in a subject like:
- health promotion
- public health policy
- behavioural science
- health studies
Other subjects like psychology, social sciences and education may also be accepted by employers.
You could also choose to do a foundation degree in health and social care as a starting point.
You'll usually need at least 1 A-level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
2 to 3 A-levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
Courses like the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care may help you to get some of the skills and knowledge that you need to get started in this role.
If you are aged 19 or over, you could take an Access to HE Diploma as a way to get into university, for example:
Access to Health and Human Science
Access to Health Science.
You may need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.
This usually takes around 36 months to complete.
You could find opportunities in office based, community, or healthcare roles. You could be working for different types of organisations like the NHS, local authorities or charities.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to start as a health promotion assistant or an NHS 111 health advisor and complete extra training to work your way up.
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.
You could contact the health promotion unit or voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.
Depending on the level of the job, you'll usually need a qualification and experience in medicine, nursing, teaching or social work. Experience of working with communities would also be useful. There are lots of voluntary and charitable organisations who work on health issues, so you may find job opportunities with these.
Health promotion specialist apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to enjoy working with other people
- sensitivity and understanding
administration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks. You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
Health promotion specialist apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
- promote healthy eating and regular exercise
- advise of the dangers of smoking or excessive drinking
- give information about the risk of coronary heart disease and cancers
- raise awareness of mental health, sexual health and drug misuse
You may also:
- do research
- produce publicity materials
- organise exhibitions and events
- run training courses and workshops
- provide information and advice to managers in health authorities and local councils
Working environment
You could work at a health centre or in an office.
Career path and progression - Health promotion specialist apprenticeships
With experience, you could move into a more senior role with responsibility for planning projects and strategies.
If you have a postgraduate qualification, you could manage projects, and a team of health promotion specialists.
You could also work as a freelance consultant.