Friday 24th November marked a pivotal moment in the University of Kent’s apprenticeship programmes, as the first cohort of Clinical Associate in Psychology (Cap) (Integrated Degree) apprentices concluded their apprenticeship journey in a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. These graduates, the first of their kind at Kent, have achieved a significant milestone in their careers, underscoring the efficacy of work-based learning in the field of clinical psychology.
This exceptional cohort not only completed their degree apprenticeship with flying colours but also demonstrated exceptional prowess in the end-point assessment (EPA). A notable number of graduates achieved distinctions, highlighting their outstanding performance and unwavering dedication to excellence in clinical psychology. The successful completion of the EPA is a testament to their commitment and competence in this demanding field.
The University of Kent, which was one of the early adopters of the Clinical Associate Psychologist (CAP) apprenticeship, is set to continue delivering this standard to more employers in September 2024. Launched by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education in the summer of 2020, the CAP apprenticeship addresses a crucial skills gap, providing greater access to psychologically informed mental health and well-being services.
Working in health services alongside existing Psychological Practitioners at the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, this group of newly recruited Clinical Associate Psychologist’s work was informed by psychological theory and evidence-based interventions. The first cohort at the University of Kent specialised in ‘Adults across the lifespan,’ contributing to the overarching goal of filling identified gaps in mental health services in Kent.
This graduation marks a crucial step forward in shaping the future of clinical psychology education and practice. The University of Kent anticipates ongoing success as it sets the stage for future clinical psychologists to follow in the footsteps of this pioneering cohort.