Applications
for our Nursing Associate Apprenticeship September 2019 intake are now closed.
Dates for our next intake will be listed here in Spring 2020.
Our Nursing Associate Apprenticeship enables both new and existing healthcare staff to study for a fully-funded FdSc in nursing whilst in paid employment.
The programme provides employers the opportunity to up-skill their workforce and plan to meet current and future healthcare needs.
Delivered by experienced Registered Nurses, the flexible, work-based programme provides apprentices with the knowledge and skills to support the provision of quality care across a range of healthcare settings.
Apprentices will become an important part of the nursing family, helping to make a difference to individuals, their families and communities.
How to apply
Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Information for employees
The potential apprentice will be
required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment (INA) with the support of
their employer and the University to ensure the Apprenticeship programme is an
appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the
INA the University will assess the information provided and determine the next
steps.
The employer must request the Initial Needs Assessment by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk.
Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer
Fully-funded
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.
Employer contribution: Employee salary only
Apprentices contribution: £0
Co-funded
If you are a non-levy paying
organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million)
or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will
financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95
per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute 5 per cent.
Government contribution £14,250
Employer contribution £750
Apprentice contribution £0
“These new ways of entering nursing offer some really exciting opportunities for people wanting to have a rewarding career but can’t afford to study for a degree in the traditional way. The University of Plymouth is building on its established close relationships with NHS and private healthcare partners to create a ‘win-win’ for all – offering employment support, work-based learning, and the ability to gain a nursing registration in two years for healthcare employees who show talent and want to develop their nursing career.”
Professor Bridie Kent, Interim Executive Dean, Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth
Billy Patterson first year Nursing Associate Apprentice explains how his studies are benefitting the residents he cares for at Sanctuary Care’s Fernihust Nursing Home in Exmouth.
"It’s great for Fernihurst because the nurses can focus on their role, with me picking up these clinical tasks. It’s about having that clinical knowledge to be able to interpret results myself which I love."
One of the highlights of our apprenticeship is that students can continue to learn while working. Modules covered include anatomy and physiology, holistic assessment and managing medicines. Students learn key clinical skills such as wound dressing, taking vital signs and administering medication.
"My experience so far has been excellent. I would say to anyone considering an apprenticeship to do it! It gives you the opportunity to progress your career.”
On successful completion of the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree, employees may be interested in becoming a registered nurse. The Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is a flexible, work-based route for both new and existing healthcare practitioners.
The BSc (Hons) Nursing apprenticeship provides the opportunity to remain in employment whilst studying for a degree in adult or mental health nursing
Find out more about degree apprenticeships in nursing