Strengths and Challenges of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Degree Apprenticeship Route: Initial Stakeholder Perspectives

What is already known on this subject Degree apprenticeships, as a route into the speech and language therapy profession, are in their infancy; thus, research and information about them are emergent. What this study adds to the existing knowledge The university where the study took place had been involved in the RCSLT apprenticeship trailblazer group since its inception in 2017 and offered the first full-time SLT Degree Apprenticeship (DA). Findings about what is different about SLT DA education and learners as compared to traditional routes are presented. The study provides new information about who chose to study SLT via the DA and why, and what components should be considered, including how, when and where DAs might be delivered. What are the clinical implications of this study? Whilst the DA SLT appears to have distinct advantages over more traditional routes in terms of continual integration of theoretical and work-based learning and experience, challenges around workload exist. This study was conducted at an early stage of the DA delivery, so knowledge about threats and whether the route will fulfil workforce development hopes remains to be seen.