Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) has interviewed for the latest cohort of its successful Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA).
CNTW is the only NHS Trust in the region to offer the course, which allows aspiring nurses the opportunity to earn and learn.
In conjunction with the University of Sunderland, the course offers successful applicants paid employment and education through a combination of learning and working in a nursing environment over five years.
Since the apprenticeship launched in 2021, the Trust has welcomed 31 people onto the course.
And now, the Trust has interviewed for the latest cohort. A staggering 498 people applied for the next intake, which starts in January 2025. Of those shortlisted, 24 have been offered a place.
Apprenticeship contract manager Gayle Hennessey said: “We were delighted to see so many applicants this year. We welcome a diverse range of applicants who are enthusiastic and willing to learn.
“The apprenticeship is part of our commitment to offering innovative career pathways. It’s great to be supporting the future generation of mental health and learning disability nurses.”
Nurse apprentice Emilie Hopper was part of the first cohort of the apprenticeship and is now halfway through. She said: “I felt the apprenticeship was a more interesting route to go down. this way, I would get paid whilst I learn and the learning would be spread out across five years.
“I feel that this gives me more experience and allows me to build confidence in my role before I go on to qualify. An apprenticeship is definitely more hands on and gives you more real-life experience.”