Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Applicants are interviewed jointly by the employer and University. The recruitment interviews are centred on values in accordance with The Code (NMC, 2018). The University welcomes applications from all potential apprentices, and most important in the decision to offer a place is a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and succeed on the programme.

If successful at interview and you meet the necessary criteria to study at the University, you will be offered a job as apprentice and a place on the Foundation Degree Science (FdSc) Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme.

The minimum entry requirements for the programme are as follows:

• Maths GCSE (grade C or above) or equivalent certificated learning (evidence of which must be provided)
• English GCSE (grade C or above) or equivalent certificated learning (evidence of which must be provided)
• A level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care
• Any level 2 or 3 qualification in a health-related subject or equivalent plus a minimum of six months' current professional healthcare experience in a paid role
• A declaration of health and good character in line with the NMC’s health and character decision-making guidance, on entry and annually, a declaration must be made
• Currently working a minimum of 30 hours a week
• A second reference
• Satisfactory occupational health assessment. All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening and clearance, and an agreement to undergo appropriate blood tests and immunisations.
  This will involve completing an online occupational health questionnaire and attendance, if required, at a medical appointment.
  Occupational health screening and assessment will consider the learner's health and wellbeing and their fitness to study and practice. Progress on the course is dependent on your continued fitness.
  This screening process complies with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) requirements for the protection of the public, students, and staff working in health and social care.
  The University is committed to making reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities to enable them to fulfil the required competencies of the programme. Candidates who are concerned about health issues are strongly advised to contact us prior to applying.
• Satisfactory criminal record checks. All places offered are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Additional entry requirements

Apprenticeship eligibility: information for employers

There are some eligibility criteria that must be met prior to an apprentice starting. These include that the apprentice:

• has a contract of employment with you, a line manager, and will be employed for the duration of the apprenticeship (self-employed are ineligible for funding)
• has been resident in the UK, Ireland, or EEA for the past three years. If they are an EEA resident, they should have obtained a pre-settled or settlement status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• is not undertaking any other government-funded programme
• will spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of their apprenticeship
• holds and can evidence, as a minimum, Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (for example: Functional Skills, GCSE 4/C, equivalent or higher)
• requires significant development of new knowledge, skills and behaviours
• can meet the off-the-job training requirements
• has not been asked to contribute financially to the cost of their apprenticeship