1 JUL 2023

NHS workforce plan = huge news for the FE sector

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, recently launched by NHS England, presents a significant opportunity for further education (FE) colleges and training providers to expand their delivery of apprenticeships. The plan highlights the importance of apprenticeships and skills training in the NHS's workforce strategy, benefiting both the health service and the FE sector.

In celebration of the NHS's 75th anniversary, plans have been announced to substantially increase the training of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare staff. This expansion aims to reduce waiting times, address the backlog, and enhance the overall standard of care across the nation. With a current shortage of 112,000 workers in the NHS, the plan focuses on training new staff to fill these gaps.

The government has committed over £2.4 billion in funding for the next five years to support this long-term investment. While nursing apprenticeships have seen significant growth in recent years, with nearly 3,000 apprenticeships in 2021/22, only 7% of clinical staff currently train through apprenticeships. The plan aims to increase this number, enabling students to earn a wage while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

By 2030, the apprenticeship route is projected to account for one in six NHS staff recruits, providing substantial benefits for learners, the FE sector, and healthcare needs in general. The plan includes a near doubling of nursing and midwifery training places, with an additional 24,000 places (34% growth) per year, reaching a total of 40,000. Moreover, medical doctor apprenticeships will begin in September 2024, with an anticipated entry of almost 2,000 doctors per year via the apprenticeship route by 2036/37.

This shift towards apprenticeship-based medical training offers several advantages, including more practical, hands-on experience for future doctors and a greater recognition of the value of further education. The investment in training the future NHS workforce presents a fantastic opportunity for colleges and independent training providers in the FE sector.

Currently, the FE sector already trains numerous apprentices in core healthcare roles such as dental nurse, healthcare support worker, pharmacy technician, and pharmacy services assistant. The plan seeks to expand these opportunities further, offering a wider range of apprenticeships across various healthcare professions.

The introduction of medical and healthcare degree apprenticeships has created a ladder of opportunity for individuals who may not have had access to these professions and the chance to earn a degree. This transformative approach to recruiting and training staff in the NHS is excellent news for the FE sector.

To support this workforce transformation, the Office for Students is making £40 million available over the next two years, providing eligible colleges and providers with the opportunity to expand degree apprenticeships. Additionally, the government is backing Higher Technical Qualifications in healthcare roles such as nursing associate and assistant practitioner, with courses commencing in September and supported by up to £48 million in funding.

The plan also acknowledges the significance of T Levels as the new gold standard in technical education. Over 10,000 new students started T Levels in 2022, benefiting from an up-to-date curriculum designed in collaboration with employers and a 45-day industry placement. The health & science T Level, delivered by FE colleges, is contributing to the NHS by nurturing a talented pool of young individuals with valued qualifications.

Overall, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan represents a win-win situation. It enhances medical training, ensures a steady supply of high-quality healthcare qualifications, and provides ample apprenticeship opportunities for individuals seeking a rewarding career in healthcare. The plan's impact extends beyond the NHS, highlighting the importance of the FE sector in supporting the future of healthcare in the UK.