Workforce planning. A force for good

A workforce development confederation facing a shortage of 2,000 clinical staff by 2004 has initiated a programme to train assistant practitioners. The programme is aimed at drawing workers into the NHS who have some care experience but not the educational requirements for traditional professional courses. The project, which involves 14 organisations across health and social care, has attracted 216 entrants. The course takes two years full time, or three years part time.