Company Description
Title: Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice
Band: Band 5 (Annex 21)
Programme Length: 4 years
Location: St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight OR Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth
Contract: Apprenticeship – Full time (part-time considered, minimum 32.5 hours per week)
Train to become a Registered Nurse while you earn.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, are offering an exciting opportunity to join our Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (Adult Nursing) programme.
This apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn, gaining a fully funded nursing degree while developing practical skills through a range of clinical placements. On successful completion, you will be eligible to register as a Registered Adult Nurse.
About the Trusts
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust provides integrated health services to around 142,000 residents, offering the opportunity to work in a supportive community healthcare system.
The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is one of the largest hospital trusts on the south coast, providing services to around 675,000 residents and recognised nationally for research and education.
Job Description
About the apprenticeship
This four-year programme combines university study with hands on clinical learning.
As a Nursing Apprentice you will:
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Work as part of a designated clinical team delivering high-quality patient-centred care.
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Participate in dedicated study and learning time.
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Undertake protected supernumerary practice placements to support your development.
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Develop the knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse
For additional information please see attached Job description
What you will gain
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A fully funded Adult Nursing degree
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A salary while you train.
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Experience across a range of healthcare settings.
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Ongoing support from mentors, educators, your training provider, and the Learning, Education and Development team
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A clear pathway to becoming a Registered Adult Nurse
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Eligibility to register with the NMC on completion.
Entry requirements
1. You will be required to upload certificates of:
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Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills
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English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5. However, alternative English language qualifications are accepted.
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A level in a science, healthcare, or social care subject, or equivalent work experience and/or qualifications
These should be uploaded to the 'Additional attachments' on the second page of the application screen. If you are having any challenge, please contact [email protected].
2. Please provide a statement on why you wish to be a Nursing Apprentice. (This should be included in the 'Message to Hiring Manager' on the first page of the application form and must be a minimum of 500 words.)
3. For Internal Applicants ONLY: In addition to the stages above, you will also need to attach this form that is signed by your departmental manager: Confirmation of Suitability
Qualifications
Essential
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Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills.
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English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5. However, alternative English language qualifications are accepted.
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A level in a science, healthcare, or social care subject, or equivalent work experience and/or qualifications
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
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Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a team player.
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Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Demonstrate ability to effectively interact with patients, relatives, carers, and colleagues.
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Can demonstrate understanding and share the Trusts values of Working Together for Patients, With Compassion, As One Team and Always Improving.
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Can demonstrate understanding and share the Trust values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Everyone counts.
Desirable
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Evidence of previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
Evidence of undertaking virtual/online learning.
Additional Information
Applicants must:
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Be 18 years or over at programme start.
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Have the legal right to work in the UK for the entire duration of their apprenticeship (4 years, this does not allow for renewals during programme), including all off-the-job training periods.
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Meet all apprenticeship funding requirements.
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Be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme.
Applicants are required to complete a skills radar matrix to determine suitability funding for the degree apprenticeship route.
Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
This course has been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning the course meets the standards of education, training, conduct and performance required for nurses in the UK.
Key Dates
Closing date: Sunday 9th August
Interviews: TBC
Employment start date with the Trust: no later than December 2026
Programme start with the University of Portsmouth: March 2027
For questions about entry requirements, qualifications or residency eligibility, please contact the Admissions Team at the University of Portsmouth: [email protected] You can also call the team on +44 (0)23 9284 3865.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026
