Apprenticeships and T-levels: an alternative pathway into health care

Abstract

This article explores Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s (NHFT’s) innovative approach to addressing workforce challenges in the healthcare sector through apprenticeships and T-levels. NHFT offers various apprenticeship opportunities, ranging from entry-level healthcare support roles to pre-registration and post-registration nursing across different specialties. The article also looks at NHFT’s collaborations with local educational institutions and primary care training hubs to provide pathways for individuals who transitioned from different careers into nursing through apprenticeships. Additionally, the introduction of T-levels offers younger people practical experience in health care alongside classroom learning, opening pathways into nursing careers. The benefits of apprenticeships in providing financial support, practical experience, and career progression are highlighted. Overall, these alternative pathways play a crucial role in developing and retaining local healthcare professionals, addressing workforce challenges and reducing reliance on international recruitment.