Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship
Our Nursing Associate Apprenticeship enables new and existing healthcare staff to study for a foundation degree whilst in paid employment

Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer.
We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.
There are currently two funding models:
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 who 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.”
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.