Nursing course looks to bridge healthcare skills gap

Blackburn College has teamed up with the University of Lancashire and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust to launch a new nursing apprenticeship.

The Level 5 Nursing Associate Degree Apprenticeship course involves weekly college attendance and on-the-job learning in placements with the trust.

Course chiefs say the apprentices are supported every step of the way by college staff, and accrediting partner the University of Lancashire.

Doctor Fazal Dad, Blackburn College principal and chief executive, said: “The introduction of the Level 5 nursing associate degree apprenticeship is a significant step forward in healthcare education closing the skills gap in the healthcare sector across the region.

“Our cutting-edge health ward setting enables the practical side of the Nursing Associate skills training to take place in a realistic medical environment, helping to fully equip the apprentices with the necessary skills to take into hospitals across the East Lancashire Hospital Trust.”

Marjorie Dalton, a former senior nursing professional, is the course leader. She said: “Despite having just 10 places available for the first programme, we had well over 100 applicants.

“It is clear there is a desire for people to go into nursing as a career and we will be bringing on another cohort of students next March.”

These new apprentices will complete a foundation degree as part of the nursing associate standard, and will gain Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.

Julia Owen, deputy director of education, research and innovation, at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) said: “This marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to developing a strong, skilled and sustainable nursing workforce for our region.

“This provides a valuable opportunity for local people to begin or advance their careers within the NHS, offering a clear pathway into nursing for those who want to make a meaningful difference in their community.”

The first cohort of 10 student apprentices began their course in March, and all are employed by ELHT, progressing from health care assistant positions onto the Level 5 nursing associate two-year programme.

Doctor Sarah Traill, associate dean from the University of Lancashire, added: “This course is the result of a truly collaborative effort.

“United by a shared commitment to developing a highly skilled, compassionate, and future-ready Nursing Associate workforce, we are particularly proud that this programme reflects the voices and needs of local communities and healthcare services.

“We look forward to seeing our Nursing Associate apprentices flourish, contributing their knowledge, skills, and dedication to improving health outcomes and delivering outstanding care for the people we serve.”