An NHS trust has successfully maintained a steady flow of nurses by heavily investing in apprenticeship programmes.
This comes as recent figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) revealed a 33% drop in UK nursing students expected to start university courses in September compared to 2021.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust stated that its apprenticeship scheme allows people to complete the same nursing training without facing the financial burden of tuition fees.
Sandra Webb, head of future workforce supply at the trust, explained that apprenticeships have played a vital role in stabilising nurse numbers. She highlighted that partnerships with University Centre Somerset and Bournemouth University have provided local access to nursing education.
The trust has seen a decline in people opting for the traditional university route. However, the numbers have remained stable due to the apprenticeship programme, which allows trainees to work full time while earning a salary and avoiding tuition fees.
Millie Holley, 21, a nursing associate for the trust’s Intensive Dementia Service, initially considered university but found the apprenticeship route more beneficial.
Through this programme, she gains valuable experience from work and placements while earning a full-time wage. Millie is set to complete her trainee nursing associate programme in summer 2025 and aims to finish her Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship by March 2026.
For her, the apprenticeship was the ideal option as it allowed her to stay close to her family and friends while gaining practical experience.
Chris McCarthy, a nursing associate for the home treatment team, said that university was not a feasible option due to financial and family commitments.
The apprenticeship route provided him with the opportunity to complete a foundation degree, bridging the gap between support workers and registered nurses.
After finishing his course in summer 2024, he immediately pursued the top-up programme to become a registered mental health nurse.
Chris now supports staff working with patients in crisis and encourages others to consider this career path, especially those with family responsibilities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health expressed appreciation for the vital role NHS staff play and emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for those who wish to pursue a healthcare career.
The government plans to unveil a refreshed workforce strategy this summer to ensure the NHS has the right professionals in place to deliver quality care to patients.
