20 December 2023

Are you interested in becoming a clinical associate of psychology working with people with autism?

Or are you an employer looking to fill skill gaps with highly motivated candidates?

CNWL is working with Central London Community Healthcare and West London NHS Trusts in partnership with the University of Roehampton to deliver a brand-new specialism of Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) for Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) apprenticeship programme.

The apprenticeship trains staff to work with both children and adults. This adds to the already well-established Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and CAMHS clinical associate in psychology across London trusts and nationally.

If you’re an employer looking to take someone on or simply want to find out more information, register for our next information webinar.

This will take place online on Tuesday 16 January 2024. Click here for details.

At the end of the course participants will not only gain a MSc, but can also register with the British Psychological Society.

The course is made up of 180 credits, awarded by the University of Roehampton, covering:

  • Professional Practice and Continuous Development (20 credits)
  • Clinical Research and Evidence-based Practice (40 credits)
  • Assessment, Differential Diagnosis and Dual diagnosis (40 credits)
  • Formulation and Evidence-based Psychological Intervention (40 credits)
  • Clinical Practice with Autistic Children, Young People and Adults (20 credits)
  • End point Assessment (20 credits)

The CAP-ASC programme also offers:

  • A job with development
  • 18 months of structured on and off the job paid training
  • Masters level qualification from the University of Roehampton
  • End point assessment to obtain entry and accreditation to the professional body (British Psychological Society)
  • Improved personal growth and development
  • Training fees are funded by an Apprenticeship Levy, salary by employers

But how does the course benefit employers? Taking on CAP-ASC apprentices is a solution to:

  • Staff shortages and unfilled vacancies for long periods, even after targeted recruitment
  • Limited or a lack of neurodevelopmental care pathways
  • Increased need for autism assessment and pre- and post-diagnostic support
  • A lifespan approach covering children and adults
  • Limited Autistic Spectrum Condition expertise across systems
  • Complex presentations, which are exacerbated by limited early identification and long waits
  • Lack of service beyond diagnosis for children and adults seeking autism assessment
  • Lack of a skilled workforce to support autistic children and adults when they engage with mainstream services
  • Longer waiting times for autism assessments, as they have hugely slowed down in some areas due to gaps in the workforce
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