Developing the next generation of nurses

NHS Northamptonshire

Summary:

  • Partner: Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT).
  • Sector: Healthcare (Mental health, adult, children, and learning disability services).
  • Challenges: Rural talent shortages, education access gaps, and transport issues.
  • Solution: Nursing apprenticeships delivered in partnership with the OU.
  • Outcome: Growing internal talent, enhanced career progression, improved patient care.

Background: Supporting national workforce goals

In 2023, the UK government’s NHS Long Term Workforce Plan set out to recruit an additional 170,000–190,000 nurses by 2036/37. Apprenticeships are a vital strategy in reaching these goals.

NHFT has been ahead of the curve. With 90 apprentices currently on their programme, many enrolled through the Open University, NHFT is using apprenticeships to "grow their own" talent and strengthen their workforce.

Addressing local challenges through apprenticeships

Northamptonshire faces unique recruitment challenges:

  • Rural geography
  • Limited public transport
  • Designated educational cold spot

Apprenticeships offer a way to develop a skilled, loyal local workforce while expanding access to career paths for those who may not have pursed traditional academic routes.

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The power of partnership: NHFT and the OU

Since 2012, NHFT and the OU have collaborated to deliver:

  • Nursing Associate Apprenticeships
  • Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeships (Covering mental health, adult, learning disability and children's nursing)

The OU's flexible learning model is crucial for enabling apprentices to juggle work, studies and personal life - while helping NHFT maintain service levels.

We've built strong communication strategies that help apprentices succeed.

Leanne Holman,
Staff Tutor, OU

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Real apprentice stories: Transforming lives through learning

Leigh: From woodwork to nursing

  • Former cabinet maker and social care worker
  • Now a Registered Nurse through the OU's apprenticeship programme
  • Leigh benefited from the OU's academic support and flexibilty

It's opened up many more opportunities for me.


Simioni: From support staff to nurse-in-training

  • Former cleaning/catering/porter worker at NHFT
  • Now a third-year Nursing Degree Apprentice
  • Previously studied health and social care with the OU

It's been a wonderful experience - a lot of work, but satisfying.


Natasha: Championing the next generation

  • One of NHFT's first OU students
  • Now Lead Practice Learning Facilitator
  • Natasha now mentors apprentices and sees their growth firsthand

It's so lovely when they go from not knowing how to study, to applying for their PIN.


Anthony: Finding a true calling

  • Left school with few qualifications
  • Now a Clinical Team Leader at NHFT
  • Started as a healthcare assistant and earned a degree through an apprenticeship

I never in a million years thought I would achieve a degree.


Angelika: Two graduations and counting

  • Started as a care home worker
  • Achieved Nursing Associate, now completing a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship

I felt proud walking up on that stage. I can't wait to do it all again!

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Conclusion: Apprenticeships deliver key results

NHFT's apprenticeship programme - powered by the Open University - is not just filling roles, it's changing lives, uplifting communities and supporting the NHS's long-term goals.

For more information, read the full case study here

Apprenticeships are a win for students, employers, patients and society.

Lisa Gammon
NHFT

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