WINNER
Nursing Apprenticeship Programme – creating a sustainable workforce
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Davie Wherrett, Director of Workforce
Lorraine Szeremeta, Chief Nurse
Delivering this nursing apprenticeship pathway at pace and scale is a significant part of the Trust’s sustainable workforce ambition. There are over 200 people undertaking the apprenticeship, rising to 400 by 2022 – one of the most ambitious schemes of its kind in the NHS.
The Trust had recruitment difficulties with a high staff turnover and an action plan set out to reduce nurse vacancy levels, agency spend and turnover. The apprenticeship initiative ran alongside traditional and overseas recruitment. The course fees are paid via the Trust’s levy contribution with additional investment of about £500k for the backfill costs of apprentices’ study time.
Key points:
- Ambitious plan for 100 + nurse apprenticeships a year, sustainable and funded pipeline
- Clinical education support teams, pastoral support, mentoring: low attrition rate
- Opportunity to attract, develop and retain staff as never before: ‘earn and learn’
- Achieved positive support from clinical and education staff.
Judges’ view:
A well-developed programme with clear strategic alignment, measurable ambition and exciting potential for scalability; the judges were impressed by the demonstrable impact being seen at organisational, patient and individual level, with a well evidenced, strong sense of engagement from the Board throughout the Trust.
Contact: david.wherrett@addenbrookes.nhs.uk