£250,000 dental apprentice scheme launches

A dental company has launched a new £250,000 apprenticeship scheme, which will provide more than 100 apprentice places across the UK.

The major initiative aims to promote the dental profession and support the need for qualified and highly skilled dental nurses over the next 18 months.
 
Genix Healthcare is the first dental corporate to launch such a major apprentice programme in dentistry.

With 22 clinics across England – and further plans for expansion – the business confirms it will increase its workforce by almost one third (33%) through the apprentice programme with a significant investment of around £250,000.

Established in 2005, Genix has developed an innovative business model that supports a major shortage for affordable NHS dental care in the regions. 

The Genix Healthcare Apprenticeship Programme, run in partnership with City Training Services, will provide comprehensive training support for candidates for as long as three years, taking them through to achieve a level three qualification.

The first stage will work towards an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Customer Service.

After an induction, candidates will work in a practice, fully supervised by experienced Genix Healthcare staff and have the opportunity to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing (level 3).

This will involve spending up to 18 months ‘chair side' in a dental surgery.

Further training through the ‘Genix Academy' offers potential for candidates to take further education and progress to practice management.
 
Life coach and trainer to the dental profession, Chris Barrow, will be supporting the Genix Healthcare apprentices with invaluable customer service training.

He said: 'People must learn at an early stage how to converse with the world effectively. As a passionate advocate of communication skills and customer service training, I am delighted to be supporting this remarkable initiative.'
 
The Statistical First Release (SFR) produced by the Data Service on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills reports that provisional 2010/11 apprenticeship starts have risen by 58% compared to the full 2009/10 academic year.

These figures demonstrate that learning and practical skills are a way of safeguarding and developing future job opportunities and are all the more important as university registrations decline by as much as 12% due to rising costs.
 
Sian Nelson-Jones, clinical director of Genix Healthcare said: 'This is a rare opportunity for individuals to get a great start in dentistry.

'Genix Healthcare has built a strong reputation in the industry and spending three years with us will heavily support their career credentials with the prospect of a permanent position with us. They will be working in stylish, modern practices, equipped with all of the latest technology, and learning from talented professionals who really care about their work and about passing on their skills to others.'

For more information about Genix Healthcare's apprenticeship scheme, and to apply for one of the positions, contact Genix Healthcare on 0113 253 0030 or email apprentice@genixhealthcare.com.