Inspiring Excellence in the NHS
Spark Academy Apprenticeships
Introducing Spark Academy – our dedicated pathway for Apprenticeships in the NHS. Created to spark potential and inspire excellence amongst healthcare professionals and support teams.
Spark Academy
Specialist training made for the NHS
We’re working in partnership with the NHS Leadership Academy and Mediterm Training to integrate NHS-specific learning and development with our market-leading apprenticeship delivery. Together we’re equipping staff with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to keep services efficient, responsive, and patient-centred. By investing in apprenticeships you’ll attract and retain talent, build resilient, adaptable patient-centred multidisciplinary teams, and foster effective communication that streamlines processes, supports quality improvement initiatives, improves information governance and delivers measurable impact in line with NHS Long Term Plan ambitions.
Apprenticeship + Award in Medical Terminology
- Basics of Medical Terminology – word building
- Major bones of the body
- Common roots, prefixes and suffixes
- Pharmaceutical abbreviations
- Classification of drugs
- Anatomy and Physiology of the body systems
- Instruments and investigations
- Medical Specialities and personnel
- Medical Abbreviations
- Blood tests
Apprenticeship + Edward Jenner Programme
- An introduction to personal development
- Exploring what leadership means to me
- Leading through relationships
- Leading in and beyond my team
- The leader as manager
In partnership with:
Bespoke NHS Pathways
Apprenticeships built for the NHS
Our NHS apprenticeship pathways are aligned to NHS workforce development priorities, supporting values-based recruitment, widening participation, and unlocking career progression. Through the Spark Academy, apprentices benefit from a seamless learning experience that fosters inclusive practice, multidisciplinary team working, and continuous professional development, enabling individuals and teams to contribute to quality improvement initiatives and the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan.
Frequently asked questions
Benefits
Spark Academy
The DBC Spark Academy provides bespoke training for NHS professionals, with a focus on developing talent and supporting NHS organisations. As a Spark Academy member, you’ll gain access to a range of valuable benefits.
Specialist learning resources
Peer networking opportunities
Interactive learning events
Mentoring and coaching support
Career development support
Join the DBC Spark Academy
About DBC Training
Why choose us?
Choosing us as your training provider means partnering with a team that truly understands the unique challenges and priorities of the public sector. With a proven track record in delivering high-quality, apprenticeship programmes, our programmes are mapped to sector-specific role profiles and designed to develop practical, inclusive skills that drive performance and improve outcomes for communities.
- 25 years of Experience
- Ofsted Grade 2 ‘Good’
- Leaders in Safeguarding
- Industry Expert Development Coaches
Bespoke training delivered by experts
Expert-Led, Specialised Training
Paula Clark
NHS Relationship Lead
Paula Clark
NHS Relationship Lead
Paula Clark is a dedicated apprenticeship specialist with over a decade of experience helping organisations across the NHS and wider public sector grow and develop their workforce through high-quality apprenticeship programmes. She has worked with numerous NHS Trusts, government departments, and large public-sector employers, building strong partnerships and designing apprenticeship solutions that meet real workforce needs. Known for her approachable style and commitment to collaboration, Paula thrives on connecting with people, understanding their challenges, and finding the right opportunities to make a lasting difference. Throughout her career, she has delivered national campaigns, supported countless employers to access apprenticeships, and consistently exceeded growth and engagement targets.
Clare Dooley
Development Coach
Clare Dooley
Development Coach
Clare Dooley is a highly skilled learning and development professional with significant experience designing and delivering leadership and management apprenticeships tailored to NHS settings. Previously at Arden University, Clare delivered a bespoke programme that integrated the Rosalind Franklin Leadership Course with the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, directly supporting NHS England learners and clinical staff. She has previously coached junior doctors on Level 3 Leadership apprenticeships across NHS Trusts, embedding NHS values, the Leadership Framework, and workplace application into her delivery. Clare’s earlier work with Learn Direct also included apprenticeship delivery within NHS Trusts, supporting staff in business administration and management roles. Clare brings expertise in instructional design, coaching, end-point assessment, and curriculum alignment, underpinned by qualifications in HR (CIPD L5), executive coaching, and careers development. A member of CIPD, CMI and IoD, she combines strategic insight with deep sector knowledge to enhance capability and culture within public sector organisations.
Diane Bennett
Development Coach
Diane Bennett
Development Coach
Diane Bennett is a highly experienced assessor, verifier, and training manager with over 24 years in work-based learning and a strong background in NHS and healthcare settings. Her NHS experience spans multiple roles, including as a Medical Receptionist at Sherwood Forest NHS Trust, where she managed outpatient clinics and patient systems, completing mandatory training in Information Governance, Safeguarding, and Conflict Resolution. Earlier, she served as Senior Stock Manager at the NHS Supplies Authority, overseeing regional logistics, stock management, and staff supervision within a major NHS distribution centre. Her expertise in training and assessment is underpinned by qualifications including D32/33/34, NEBOSH, and Functional Skills, and she currently serves as a Senior IQA and Development Coach at DBC Training, supporting apprentices in customer service, management, and administration. Diane brings deep knowledge of NHS systems, compliance standards, and staff development practices—making her a valuable asset in delivering high-quality, healthcare-aligned apprenticeship training.
Trish Allen
Development Coach
Trish Allen
Development Coach
Trish Allen is a highly experienced management skills coach, tutor, and internal verifier with over two decades of success in apprenticeship delivery, specialising in leadership, management, customer service, and business administration. She currently delivers Team Leader Supervisor and Operational Manager apprenticeships at DBC, embedding safeguarding, British values, and wellbeing throughout the learner journey. Trish has extensive experience working with public sector clients, including the NHS, tailoring delivery to meet the demands of high-pressure, regulated environments. Her background includes coaching and assessing NHS staff in customer service and business support roles, and she brings a deep understanding of compliance, pastoral care, and behaviour change—critical in healthcare settings. Her qualifications include D32/33/34, DTLLS, and Functional Skills, and she is a member of ILM, CMI, and FranklinCovey. Trish excels in creating impactful learning experiences aligned to current practice, building trust with learners and stakeholders to drive performance and professional growth.
What our Apprentices say about us
“I’m gaining hands-on experience in creating marketing campaigns, developing creative content, and using different platforms effectively. The role has given me the opportunity to create engaging content, and explore different ways to connect with our audience.”
— Isabelle Morgan – Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer
Find our more about the Spark Academy
Download our Spark Academy brochure to discover eveything you need to know about our programmes, benefits, and how to get started.
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