The University of Gloucestershire will be a test site for nursing apprenticeships from September 2017, it has been announced today (16 December).
The new course aims to tackle nursing shortages by offering a three-year undergraduate degree with “hands-on experience” at every stage of a student’s development.
The apprentices will work and be paid from the beginning of their degrees.
HEE announced in November that the university will also be a test site for the controversial nursing associate role, which will bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and nurses.
The apprentice course will be led by the university in partnership with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, and Gloucestershire CCG.
Teaching will primarily take place at the University’s Oxstalls campus in Gloucester. The apprentices will also train at acute and mental health facilities in partnership with the local trusts across the county.
Dr Joy Darch, academic subject lead for nursing, said:“This is an important time for nursing, and we have had a fabulous opportunity in Gloucestershire to create the curriculum in partnership with patients and providers to prepare nurses with the skills and knowledge needed for a modern day health and care service in a wide range of settings.”
Gloucester MP Richard Graham said:“I hope both parents and students will see the huge practical advantage of being able to study for nursing degrees and higher apprenticeships so close to home, and without any limits on numbers now.”
