Nursing Associate

Upcoming event

Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Apprenticeship Webinar
Wednesday 30th April 13:00-14:00

You are warmly invited to our Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Apprenticeship Webinar. The Microsoft Teams session is designed to answer any questions you may have about our Nursing Associate, Registered Nurse and Midwife Apprenticeships, in an informal online setting.

Our Programme Leads will provide a detailed overview of our apprenticeships and staff from our Apprenticeships Team will also be available to discuss key deadlines for 2025 entry and how Keele University supports employers and apprentices.

Register here

Course overview

The apprenticeship is for anyone looking to become a Nursing Associate who works in a caring role and has a desire to develop their healthcare career.  

The programme is underpinned by. 

• The NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), Standards for Nursing Associates.
• The Apprenticeship Standard for Nursing Associates. 

Delivery sites for the apprenticeship.

• Keele University campus.
• Telford College Wellington campus (subject to validation) first cohort proposed to start in September 2025.

Telford College collaboration (subject to validation)

Our collaboration 

We are pleased to present our partnership with Telford College to deliver the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (subject to validation).

• The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme is being delivered by Keele University at Telford College’s Wellington campus.
• You will be based at Telford College’s Clinical Skills Centre, which has three industry-standard wards, including two 4-bedded bays, a maternity and social care setting.
• There will be opportunities to join lectures remotely and attend skills sessions at Keele campus, as well as work placements with members of the Integrated Care System for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
• You can find out more about our partnership on the Telford College website and if you have any questions please contact us via the button below.

About Telford College

Telford College is Telford and Wrekin’s leading Further Education College, supporting over 2,000 young people in college-based programmes, 700 apprentices and more than 3,000 adult learners each academic year. Recognised as a major training hub for employers across the region, the college offers apprenticeships across key industries such as accounting, automotive, business, computing, construction, early years, education, engineering and health, with opportunities ranging from Level 2 to Level 5. These apprenticeships provide valuable qualifications, real-world work experience and a chance to earn while learning. 

What does 'subject to validation' mean?

Our collaboration with Telford College to deliver the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is ‘subject to validation’ which means that it is in the last stages of the validation process, awaiting final approval. Validation is a rigorous process undertaken with academic staff, students, independent subject experts and employers to ensure the course is of high quality and able to prepare students well for their future employment or further study. Validation is not guaranteed.

Apprenticeship components

Participants will be employed as an Apprentice Nursing Associate and will undertake the equivalent of one day per week in a placement environment. This will be rotated across several settings to give a broad experience. The learning on the apprenticeship reflects the practical nature of the role, while ensuring competence.

Examples of indicative modules include.

• Person-Centred Approach to Care.
• Professional Values.
• Delivering Nursing Associate Care, New Knowledge and Skills.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
• Duty of Care, Candour, Equality and Diversity.
• Medicines Management.
• Health and Wellbeing.
• Leadership.

Programme eligibility

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship typically requires.

• Some experience in a care setting.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C (4) or accepted equivalent such as Functional Skills.

Supported learning

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

• Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
• This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Funding

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

• Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
• Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

How do I apply?

You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.

Applicants must meet several key criteria:  

• Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeship focus.  
• If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
• Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.  
• Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.