Neighbourhood Health and Care Employers
Flexible apprenticeships for small health and care providers
The Open University is proud to deliver the Neighbourhood Health and Care Employers initiative, aimed at supporting smaller health and care organisations across Primary Care and PIVO-based health and care settings to develop the nursing workforce of the future.
Whether you’re a GP practice, care provider, or small private/independent health/care service, we’re here to make it easier for you to access high-quality, flexible nurse education through two work-based apprenticeship routes.
Please note: Before you complete the Expression of Interest form, it is essential that you watch all four videos in full.
These videos provide critical insights into the programme and will ensure you’re fully prepared to make an informed decision.
The Expression of Interest form is only for the October 2026 programme start.
Introduction & overview
Get to know The Open University’s approach to flexible nurse education and how this initiative is designed to remove the barriers that smaller employers often face.
To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon.
What we offer
We’ve simplified our support offer to make it easier for smaller providers to take advantage of funded nursing development routes:
- Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship (24 months)
A flexible, work-based pathway that supports staff to qualify as a Nursing Associate while continuing to contribute to your team. - Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (20 months)
A progression route designed specifically for qualified Nursing Associates to become Registered Nurses while staying in practice.
Both programmes are delivered flexibly, enabling opportunities to bespoke practice placement plans that meet NMC requirements and help balance study time and practice capacity limits, often felt by smaller teams.
Explore the apprenticeship routes
Nursing Associate
Understand how this 2-year apprenticeship works, what’s required from you as an employer, and the support available.
To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon.
Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse
Explore how qualified Nursing Associates can build on their skills and become Registered Nurses through this accelerated route.
To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon.
Streamlined support for employers
We’ve designed our approach to remove barriers for smaller organisations:
- Simplified onboarding process tailored to primary and smaller health and care providers serving the neighbourhood
- New placement support offered exclusively for these partners
- Guidance on setting up apprenticeships, placements, and recruitment
Navigating the detail: Compliance, funding & what comes next
This video walks you through the key employer responsibilities, how apprenticeship funding works, and how to apply.
To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’ve watched the Nurturing Nurses video series and believe investing in nursing talent could benefit your organisation, here’s what to do next:
1 | Submit an Expression of Interest
After reviewing the information on this page and confirming you can meet the programme requirements, please complete our short Expression of Interest form using the link below. The expression of interest submission deadline, for our October 2026 intake, will be the 31st May 2026.
2 | Partnership Engagement
A Partnership Development Manager will contact you to review your submission, clarify requirements and expectations, and explore how we can work together to support prospective apprentices. We aim to make contact within 7 working days.
3 | Staff Tutor Engagement
If you would like to proceed following your initial meeting, we will arrange for one of our Nursing Academics (aka Staff Tutors) to get in touch to discuss programme requirements, carry out due diligence, and confirm partnership viability. This will ensure apprentices are set up for success and that we can meet the regulatory requirements of the programme.
4 | Employer & Applicant Onboarding
Our Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Managers will be in touch to introduce the systems used for employer onboarding and application processing. Applicants will also be guided through their onboarding systems and the application process, alongside Staff Tutor support/engagement.
5 | Interviews & Assessments
Applicant interviews will be scheduled and conducted in partnership with employers, alongside assessments of submitted documentation and information.
6 | Eligibility & Final Checks
We’ll verify that all collected information meets programme requirements and complies with apprenticeship rules and any other regulatory requirements.
7 | Contracting & Funding
We will finalise contractual agreements and documentation between the employer, apprentice, and The Open University. Funding will be arranged via the appropriate apprenticeship levy route before the programme begins. It is essential that contracts and funding are set up 1 month prior to the start date of the apprenticeship.
Top Tips!
The Open University has identified common challenges that can prevent us from supporting future nursing apprentices. Please review the following points:
- Do not submit an Expression of Interest if you are a prospective apprentice. Employer engagement is vital!
- Ensure prospective apprentices have valid right-to-work status. Work VISAs must be valid for the duration of the programme.
- Be ready to support apprentices within their contracted hours. Your investment into their talent development may require backfill for their substantive post while on programme.
- Consider the contracting approach that works best for you. Most partners opt for a direct contract with The Open University, but third-party procurement frameworks are also available. More info here.
- Connect with your local Training Hub or Integrated Care Board to explore available support for this partnership. You may find financial assistance or help with arranging learner placements.
- We will aim to source placements within 60 minutes of a student’s home (up to a maximum of 90 minutes). Declining an appropriate placement may affect their place on programme.
The deadline for submission is 31 May 2026 to ensure you're ready for the October 2026 programme start. Anything submitted after will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: This form is for employers only. If you are an individual looking to study, please speak to your employer or visit our website to find more information about the development opportunities available.
Any questions?
If you would like to speak to someone or have any challenges in completing the Expression of Interest form, please contact our team at: [email protected]
