Isle of Wight NHS Trust Nursing apprenticeship programme

Following the introduction of the Government’s Apprenticeship Reforms (England) in April 2017, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust embraced the variety of opportunities for individual career development that this new funding created. As a result, the Trust decided to offer a new pathway to grow its local nursing workforce.

Over recent years, the island has faced a decline in the number of nursing professionals and the opportunity to qualify was somewhat limited. Therefore, the Trust partnered up with The Open University (OU) to offer a new flexible educational route via the Apprenticeship Levy. Offering the nursing apprenticeship qualifications has enabled the Trust to widen access to learning and reach a more diverse cohort. It has also enabled the Trust to achieve several key recruitment aims – providing opportunities and career pathways to people living in the local community, attracting new recruits to the island, and meeting staffing needs at the same time.

We are delighted to be able to offer Nursing apprenticeships in partnership with the Open University, in both the Nursing Associate apprenticeship and the Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship programmes.

Nursing Associate apprenticeships

We offer the Higher Apprenticeship in Nursing Associate Practice (Level 5 Foundation Degree) – This programme is a 2 year qualification.

The student Nursing Associate is a highly trained support role to deliver effective, safe, and responsive nursing care in and across a wide range of health and care settings. You will work independently and with others, under the leadership and direction of a Registered Nurse within defined parameters, to deliver care in line with an agreed plan. You will have a breadth of knowledge and a flexible, portable skill set to serve local health populations, in a range of settings across the lifespan. You will be expected to work within all aspects of the nursing process, taking account of the perspectives and pathways of individuals, their families, and/or carers providing holistic and person—centred care. You will support the Registered Nurse in the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care. You must uphold the NMC code and meet the NMC requirements for continuing registration.

Completion of the apprenticeship will lead to a license to practice regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

For more information about the apprenticeship standards for this qualification, please visit: Nursing associate (NMC 2018) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Registered Nurse degree apprenticeships

We offer specialisms in Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Level 6) and BSc (Hons) Children and Young People Nursing (Level 6). This programme is a 3 year qualification.

Registered Nurses are a key part of the multidisciplinary team that meets the health and care needs of patients and service users. You will be at the centre of a team that can include other health and social care professionals. You will use your expertise to assess, plan and implement and evaluate care, putting the needs of patients and service users first. You will be responsible and accountable for your work and for reviewing the effectiveness of your actions. You will be expected to demonstrate leadership qualities whatever your role and you may manage and lead colleagues. You will be responsible for ensuring your own knowledge and skills are up to date, and support the development of learners and entrants to the profession. You must uphold the NMC code and meet the NMC requirements for continuing registration.

On completion of the apprenticeship, you will meet the qualification requirements to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

For more information about the apprenticeship standards for this qualification, please visit: Registered nurse degree (NMC 2018) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

“Within my training, I worked on the Covid ward for the first part of Covid,” says Kerry Black, a newly qualified Nursing Associate at IOW NHS Trust. “Then coronary care unit theatres, mental health and learning disability teams, so it’s a really wide variety of placements that you can secure on the island.”

Rachel Baker, Nursing Associate at the IOW NHS Trust, is delighted to have been given the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing and without having the leave the island. “I grew up on the island and always wanted to work for the NHS, but there weren’t many opportunities for studying on the island with it - you had to move off and go to university. I knew that wasn’t really for me.”

Studying for the apprenticeship has allowed Rachel to fulfil her lifelong ambition while staying in and giving back to her local community. “I think it’s important to do training here as I can stay with the community that I grew up in and give back – staying on the island and learning was an important thing for me,” Rachel says she really benefited from the OU’s approach to learning – the practical nature of the content, the level of support provided by tutors and the ability to balance work and study.

Application and entry requirements

Applications for both our Nursing Apprenticeship Programmes (RNDA & NA) will be advertised on our recruitment pages: Current vacancies at Isle of Wight NHS Trust (iowhealthandcare.co.uk)

You can also follow us on social media to keep up to date with programmes.

The following criteria needs to be met for application to the Nursing Associate apprenticeship programme:

Evidence of Level 2 study (applicable to healthcare). Examples include Level 2 NVQ; Level 2 BTEC Certificate or Diploma; a non-clinical Level 2 qualification completed in a healthcare setting.
Evidence of recent care experience in an appropriate setting on a regular basis.
An acceptable attendance record, and not been subject to any formal disciplinary or performance management which has been upheld during the last five years.
Evidence of continuous professional development in the last 3 years.
Achieved acceptable Maths & English qualifications e.g. GCSE’s A-C or 4-9, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2. (N.B. Maths & English qualifications that are embedded within another qualification such as an NVQ or Access Certificate are not recognised or accepted, they must be independent qualifications).
Evidence of a consistent, positive and motivated demeanour in the workplace in line with the 6 Cs of Nursing.
Motivation and commitment to make the most of this learning opportunity and develop a passion for excellence in evidence-based care.

The following criteria needs to be met for application to Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship programme:

Evidence of Level 3 study (applicable to healthcare). Examples include: A Levels, T-Level, Access to Higher Education (HE), Level 3 NVQ, Level 3 BTEC Certificate or Diploma, or non-clinical Level 3 qualification completed in a healthcare setting.
If you have completed the Level 5 Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, you may have the opportunity to top up to a full Registered Nurse Degree.
Evidence of recent care experience in an appropriate setting on a regular basis.
An acceptable attendance record, and not been subject to any formal disciplinary or performance management which has been upheld during the last five years.
Evidence of continuous professional development in the last 3 years.
Achieved acceptable Maths & English qualifications e.g. GCSE’s A-C or 4-9, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2. (N.B. Maths & English qualifications that are embedded within another qualification such as an NVQ or Access Certificate are not recognised or accepted, they must be independent qualifications).
Evidence of a consistent, positive and motivated demeanour in the workplace in line with the 6 Cs of Nursing.
Motivation and commitment to make the most of this learning opportunity and develop a passion for excellence in evidence-based care.
If you have completed the Level 5 Health & Social Care you may be able to transfer credits towards your degree depending upon the requirements of the University.

If you are successful at interview, any offer will be conditional subject to the following:

Successful completion of the Care Certificate Portfolio.
Satisfactory pre-employment checks (occupational health clearance, DBS and references spanning 3 years).

Useful Information

To explore nursing careers further, please take a look at the following pages:

If you do not have care experience, you may also wish to consider volunteering with us, please contact iownt.volunteer@nhs.net

If you have any further questions about apprenticeship programmes at the IOW NHS Trust, please contact us at iownt.education-team-apprenticeships@nhs.net