Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration)

Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is a standout nominee for the Nursing Times Award: Nursing Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, excelling across all criteria. BNU's commitment to an exceptional learner experience is evident in its 6th rank in the National Student Survey 2023, outperforming sector benchmarks. The university's prowess in teaching, learning opportunities, assessment, and student voice places it among the top in the UK. BNU's dedication extends to recruiting highly qualified teaching staff, investing in cutting-edge facilities, and providing robust emotional and practical support. The testimonials from employers and apprentices, coupled with inspiring success stories, further underscore BNU's transformative impact.

Keele University

Keele University, School of Nursing and Midwifery commenced apprenticeship delivery in 2018, delivering six apprenticeship programmes, with thirty-six employer partners. Keele is recognised as one of the early adopters of apprenticeship delivery, providing a range of nursing apprenticeships across pre-registration, and post graduate studies including enhanced and advanced clinical practitioner. Active participation with stakeholders to co-produce programmes demonstrates our recognition and value of apprenticeship provision to meet the needs of local, regional and national nursing workforce. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment for our apprentices to thrive in their learning and clinical environment.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Our Department of Nursing has successfully delivered nursing programmes for many years. Since 2019, we’ve played an important role supporting the development of apprenticeships - helping employers to understand and engage with them. Our outcomes are exceptional and our programmes are the UK’s only post-reg apprenticeships rated ‘Outstanding’ under the new Ofsted framework. Our District Nurse (DN) and Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) programmes have been co-designed with employers, ensuring nurses are prepared to meet the needs of the sector and employers, and are equipped to face contemporary nursing challenges. This vital development work continues through regular employer forums.

Northumbria University

Northumbria University was the first university in the UK to deliver an 18 month registered nursing degree programme, with its first cohort of apprentices completing their programme in March 2020. Since then there has been significant investment in this programme and we have excellent partnerships with all employers. We have an institutional infrastructure with a strategic vision that helps us to deliver an outstanding programme. Over a 3 year period our retention is 97%, 91% achieved a first class degree and 100% of those who completed all secured employment. National student surveys, programme surveys and student committees are overwhelmingly positive.

University of Chester

The University of Chester is a high performing and high achieving provider for levels 5 to 7 for nursing apprenticeship provision. The achievement rates for Nursing exceed 85%. The local and regional NHS partners state how we are contributing to the skills needs and offer excellent progression and career opportunities for students. The teaching and assessment is of the highest quality and the resources are exemplary. Our students past and present are a credit to the University and their employers.

University of Hertfordshire

Growing from 11 students to more than 80 in just four years, the nursing degree apprenticeship programme is thriving at the University of Hertfordshire, playing a vital role in the University’s commitment to creating a highly-skilled, committed and diverse workforce that to power the NHS into its future. The programme prioritises inclusive practice, tailored learning, innovative teaching methods, student-led initiatives and leadership skills, while offering a broad range of practical experience across varied health and care services. Personal and professional development are central to the ethos of the programme, which is transformative for our ambitious and dedicated apprentices.

University of Plymouth

Widening participation into Nursing and developing the future workforce by providing impactful and innovative nursing and midwifery education and research through apprenticeships.