Next generation of Lancashire nurses get the chance to earn while they learn amid degree apprenticeships boost

Lancashire residents who are interested in a career in nursing could get the chance to pursue their dreams via a degree apprenticeship as part of a government plan to make the profession more accessible to people from a broader range of backgrounds.

Historically, entry into nursing has come via traditional university study, but an earn-while-you-learn option – leading to exactly the same qualification – was introduced back in 2017.

In 2024/25, 57 apprentice nurses were recruited across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) region – and now the area is amongst 19 nationwide eligible to share in a £65.4m funding boost designed to find the next nursing generation that would like a more flexible route to the NHS frontline.

The cash is being targeted towards those locations with the largest training shortages – and also those that are less affluent.

Health minister Karin Smyth told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the aim was to break down financial barriers to a nursing career, as well as ensuring opportunities for the local population in places like Lancashire to join the healthcare workforce where they live.

“Whilst we will always need our international colleagues to work in the NHS…we, as a government, [want] to make sure that…communities that have been more deprived do have people from those communities working in the NHS and the public sector.

“Apprenticeships are a really good way of doing that – [and] that drive for social mobility is a really important part of what we’re trying to do.

“There are so many people that would love to have a career in nursing, but it doesn’t feel [like] it’s open to them. I’ve met with people…who started off as healthcare assistants… and then they’ve gained the opportunity to rise up the ladder – and they’re really passionate about it.

“A lot of women, particularly, with childcare responsibilities, are able to stage how they get through the training – and they get paid. That’s really important – they can’t afford to go to university [and] they don’t want to take on debt. So…we want to have more of it,” Ms Smyth said.

The new funding is expected to generate 2,000 nursing degree apprenticeships over the next three years. The LDRS understands each of the eligible ICBs will have to bid for a share of the pot.

Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships (RNDA) involve securing a position with an employer who then releases their apprentice to study at university part time. They will train in a range of settings, such as hospitals, GP practices, people’s homes and mental health facilities.

The qualification usually takes four years to complete, but that timespan can be reduced depending on prior experience and learning. There are also English and maths entry requirements in order to embark upon a RNDA.