Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

NUH has been offering apprenticeships since 2009, initially focusing on Business Administration and later expanding into Healthcare Support Worker roles. Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017, the Trust has significantly broadened its provision, now offering apprenticeships across clinical and non-clinical roles, including Nursing, Radiography, and other hard-to-recruit professions.

Level 5 Nursing Associate; Level 6 Registered Nurse; Level 6 Biomedical Scientist; Level 6 Chartered Manager; Level 7 Solicitor.

• Strong progression into substantive employment roles
• High retention rates for apprentices across the Trust
• Development of a loyal, skilled, and future-ready workforce
• Increased ability to recruit into hard-to-fill roles
• Expanded learning and development pathways for existing staff
• Enhanced staff confidence, performance, and career progression

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust invests in apprenticeships to address key workforce challenges. Apprenticeships provide a reliable pipeline of skilled staff, especially in roles where fully trained professionals are scarce. The Trust values apprenticeships for their proven ability to combine practical training with progression opportunities, resulting in high retention and loyalty among apprentices. This approach also offers accessible entry points into the NHS and supports ongoing workforce development. Without apprenticeships, the Trust would struggle to meet demand and maintain a sustainable, skilled workforce.

NUH set out to:

• Develop sustainable, flexible workforce pipelines across clinical and non-clinical roles
• Increase access to learning and development for existing staff
• Improve recruitment in hard-to-fill and high-demand service areas
• Embed progression and development opportunities into the Trust’s long-term strategy
• Partner with trusted providers to ensure high-quality delivery and outcomes

NUH began its apprenticeship journey in 2009, initially focusing on entry-level routes in Business Administration and Healthcare Support. Post-2017, following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, the Trust expanded its provision, offering a broader variety of apprenticeship standards to suit both new recruits and existing staff.
Managers and learners now have access to a wide selection of programmes that match role-specific needs. The Trust’s partnership with NTU has enhanced the experience, enabling continuous improvement in programme delivery through open communication and shared involvement. This includes opportunities for NUH to contribute directly to aspects of apprenticeship training, increasing relevance and impact.

Apprenticeships have been truly transformational for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s recruitment and development strategy. They have opened up new pathways for recruits to enter clinical careers, particularly in Nursing and Radiography, helping to meet critical workforce needs. Beyond attracting new talent, apprenticeships have also provided valuable opportunities for existing staff to develop their skills and progress within the Trust, supporting retention and preserving vital experience.
In areas where traditional recruitment methods have struggled, apprenticeships have offered a successful alternative, allowing the Trust to fill challenging roles with well-trained, committed individuals. Apprentices consistently report feeling supported and valued throughout their journey, which contributes to high engagement and retention rates. This combination of support and flexibility has empowered the Trust to innovate and respond more effectively to ongoing workforce challenges, ensuring it can continue to deliver excellent care while building a sustainable future.