Nurse numbers boosted with apprenticeships

An NHS trust says it has maintained a steady recruitment of nurses by investing heavily in apprenticeships.

According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), 33% fewer UK nursing students were expected to start courses at university in September compared with 2021.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said apprenticeships allowed people to complete the same training without the financial burden of tuition fees.

Sandra Webb, head of future workforce supply at the trust, said apprenticeships had played a crucial role in keeping nurse numbers stable.

The trust's partnerships with University Centre Somerset and Bournemouth University have also supported recruitment by ensuring local access to nursing education.

"We've seen a reduction in people taking the direct entry route," Mrs Webb explained.

"In Somerset numbers have remained pretty steady because we are lucky enough to have the universities within the county delivering that nursing content for us.

"As an organisation we have really heavily invested in the apprenticeship route. Our numbers have been boosted as we have been seeing people accessing the apprenticeship route rather than being fee paying themselves".

She said apprenticeships also improve retention and the trust works closely with other healthcare organisations to ensure apprentices are well-prepared for careers as registered nurses.

Millie Holley, 21, a nursing associate for the trust's Intensive Dementia Service, initially applied to university but found the apprenticeship route more beneficial.

"I get all the experience I need through work and placements, so I get the best of both worlds," she said.

"I get paid to do what I do - whether I'm on base, placement, or at university. I work full time, earn a full-time wage, and don't pay tuition fees. They pay me."

Millie is set to finish the trainee nursing associate programme in summer 2025 and hopes to complete the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship by March 2026.

"The apprenticeship suited me because I could stay close to my family, friends, and partner," she said.

"But it depends on your learning style - direct entry is more classroom-based, while the apprenticeship keeps you in your workplace, except for placements and one day a week at university."

Chris McCarthy, a nursing associate for the home treatment team, said university was not an option for him due to financial and family commitments, so an apprenticeship was an ideal solution.

"A foundation degree bridges the gap between support workers and registered nurses - I thought it was a good compromise," Mr McCarthy said.

"I finished my course in summer 2024 and jumped at the chance to do the top-up to become a registered mental health nurse."

He now supports staff working with patients in crisis and said he would encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.

"The route I have taken is fantastic for people with financial or family commitments. It is fantastic we have the opportunity to study, work and live in the same county," he added.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the government "hugely values the vital work NHS staff carry out every day" and wants to ensure "anyone who wishes to pursue a career in healthcare can do so".

They added that a "refreshed workforce plan" will be unveiled this summer "so the NHS has the right people in the right places to give patients the care they deserve".

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.