The Open University has joined forces with Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to create a new gateway to a career in nursing.
As part of the Trust’s Future You career development programme, a new apprenticeship route has been launched, providing both experienced and aspiring healthcare workers with the practical skills and qualifications they need to start a new career as a Nursing Associate or Registered Nurse.
Students on the programme are employed as Trainee Nursing Associates within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and will combine study for a Foundation Degree at either The Open University or Leeds Beckett with work placements across a range of specialities.
This is followed by a year working as a Nursing Associate, developing skills and practice. Students may then progress to the two-year Apprentice Nurse programme, leading to a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree and Registered Nurse status.
The first cohort of students will begin in September, with a second intake starting in January 2021. More than one hundred applications have already been received.
Balvinder Johal, Head of Business Development (Health) at The Open University, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this exciting collaboration. The OU has a proven track record in educating nurses since 2002. Our learning model is shaped around the needs of our partner employers and our tried and tested online teaching opens up a career in nursing to a wider range of people.”
For full details about the programme, entry requirements and how to apply, visit The Open University’s website for more information on OU apprenticeships.
