Hear from our Registered Nurse Degree apprentice learners

Launched in March 2024, the Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship enables learners to study towards becoming an NMC Registered Nurse. During the programme learners gain direct experience of nursing, on placement and in simulated practice learning, guided by experienced practice supervisors and clinical teaching staff.

Case Studies

‘My apprenticeship has allowed me to progress in a job that I have worked hard for 14 years and really enjoy but I got to the stage where I could no longer move forward without doing further study.

As a single mum with two teenagers, attending university full-time would not have been an option for me due to financial reasons. I always thought I would love to go to university but felt it was not something available to me until the apprenticeship was made aware to me. 

Coming to University as a mature student makes me feel more valued.’ - Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship learner

‘I have worked for the trust for 21 years while raising four children. The apprenticeship program has allowed me to fulfil a dream I never thought possible. Having children young meant my career took a back seat as I focused on raising my family. I worked my way up, completing various training courses over the years and learning as many new skills as possible. I felt I needed to learn more to be able to make a difference.

When the apprenticeship program offered the opportunity to pursue my Registered Nursing Associate course, I jumped at the chance to progress. Although it was challenging to juggle work, studying, and family life, it allowed me to pay my mortgage while gaining vital skills on my journey to becoming a registered nurse. After two years of completing my course and working as a Registered nursing associate, I knew I wanted to pursue my top-up as soon as possible. The apprenticeship opened up the opportunity to complete my studies at the University of York, enabling me to work toward my BA degree while still receiving a regular income. 

It takes dedication from us as learners and immense support from the trust to complete our training. As I approach the final stages of my training, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to finally become a registered nurse. Without this apprenticeship, this would not have been possible, and now my future is full of possibilities and the hope for further career progression.’ - Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship learner

‘Without an apprenticeship I wouldn't be able to study at University, full stop! I have had caring responsibilities since a young age and when I finished College, I needed to go into paid employment. I also didn’t have my Maths GCSE at the required level so spent time working on this to pass. 

I'm now 30 years old and studying to work in Nursing has been a dream of mine for over 10 years. I’m eternally grateful for this apprenticeship as without it I simply wouldn’t be able to afford to access University to study. Being able to work full time alongside this means I am earning and also learning skills practically which suits my learning style. I enjoy coming to University and learning in the seminars and working towards achieving a degree to further my career and feel accomplished, something which before I didn’t think was going to happen for me and wouldn’t be possible without an apprenticeship.’  - Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship learner