Apprentice Speech and Language Therapist

We have a new and exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to train as a speech and language therapist on this fully funded apprenticeship degree programme, so that you can 'earn while you learn'. You will work as an assistant in our speech and language therapy team at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, while studying part time towards a BSc undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy at Birmingham City University, undertaking clinical placements here at the Trust and with other placement providers, in order to become a fully qualified speech and language therapist at the end of the course.

We aim to have the successful candidate in post by September 2023, but this start date is negotiable. The university course starts on 2nd January 2024 (this may be subject to change). The SLT apprentice must be successfully enrolled onto the university course as a condition of their continued employment in the role. The university course is four years long, and employment as an apprentice SLT is fixed term, finishing when the university course has been completed. The apprentice will have regular protected study days. There may be an opportunity to apply for a newly qualified speech and language therapist position in the trust after the course has finished, but this is not guaranteed.

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are allied health professionals. We work with parents, carers and other professionals, such as teachers, nurses, occupational therapists and doctors. There are around 20,000 practising SLTs in the UK working in a variety of settings.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) have estimated that 80% of service users in mental health settings have an identified speech, language and/or communication difficulty. Studies have also found that there is a higher prevalence of swallowing difficulties and higher rate of choking among service users in mental health settings.

During the apprenticeship you will be given training and support to work as an assistant in the speech and language therapy team, while at the same time studying towards an undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy at Birmingham City University. The degree course is fully funded as part of this apprenticeship.

This role will involve working across multiple sites and locations and attended classes at Birmingham City University.

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.