Spire Healthcare is rolling out a nurse degree apprenticeship programme across its 35 English hospitals in partnership with the University of Sunderland.
The programme is delivered via a combination of onsite placements at Spire hospitals, local NHS trusts and GP practices alongside distance learning training and assessments.
It is open to applicants at all stages of life, including school leavers, university graduates and those looking to retrain. Apprentice nurses will receive a salary of between £18,000 and £21,000 depending on previous experience and will qualify with a BSc in adult nursing.
Group talent manager at Spire Healthcare Deborah Barker said: ‘The appeal of an apprenticeship has risen in recent years due to the increasing cost of the traditional university degree route. Covid-19 has then compounded this with classroom-based teaching disrupted over the course of 2020/21.
‘The programme has been developed to give people broad experience of healthcare in England, they will complete placements in Spire hospitals, NHS hospitals, and in the community. This ensures that every apprentice gets a full-rounded experience of the role and is well-prepared for their future career in the sector.’
Simone Bedford, team leader professional healthcare practice and midwifery at University of Sunderland, added: ‘We are excited to be working with Spire Healthcare as this is a great opportunity to work with partners in the private sector.
‘The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship will be delivered nationally within the Spire Healthcare group and will offer greater flexibility than a traditional degree to the 270 new nursing apprentices. Based on the University of Sunderland’s successful experience elsewhere, this ‘grow your own’ model is a very exciting development for everyone concerned and we commend Spire Healthcare for its initiative in embarking on such a programme.’
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