Oxford Brookes University awarded share of £3.3m to boost healthcare apprenticeships and support NHS

Future healthcare students at Oxford Brookes University are set to benefit from a £3.3m investment from the Office for Students (OfS) to expand access to Level 6 degree apprenticeships.

The funding of £3,381,000 has been awarded to a collaborative bid from Oxford Brookes University, Middlesex University, Birmingham City University, University of Hertfordshire, Kingston University, University of Brighton and University of Greenwich.

Together, the seven universities will form the Healthcare Education Consortium, which will expand access to degree apprenticeships nationally to support the NHS with its long-term staff recruitment plans. 

This newly announced money is  part of a £40m degree apprenticeship development fund, which was announced last year by the OfS. This third and final wave of funding will support 148 Level 6 degree apprenticeship programmes at 33 universities and colleges. 

Quintijn Vermeulen, Head of UK Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Oxford Brookes University said: 
“This funding will greatly enhance the opportunities for future students to pursue careers in healthcare, while also supporting the long-term plans of the NHS.

“By expanding access to Level 6 degree apprenticeships, we are empowering future healthcare professionals with the skills and experience they need to succeed. 

“We are proud to form a part of the Healthcare Education Consortium with our partners, so that we can contribute to building a stronger healthcare workforce for the future.”

A Level 6 apprenticeship gives students the opportunity to achieve a university degree by combining real life work experience with studying. 

John Blake, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, said: “Since we launched this degree apprenticeships fund last year, I have been continually impressed with the range, scope and ambition of the bids we have received – and this round of bids has been no different. I have been particularly pleased to see how universities and colleges have prioritised recruiting and supporting students from all backgrounds, and the successful bids have all demonstrated real commitment to addressing and removing barriers for students to succeed.

“Degree apprenticeships are an essential way into higher education for students who may not have followed a traditional route and are also of huge benefit to local and regional communities and economies. By increasing the range and availability of these courses, we hope universities and colleges will inspire and engage people who may not otherwise have gone into higher education.”

More information on apprenticeship schemes at Oxford Brookes can be found on the University website.