<p>We caught up with Nigel almost 2 years after our previous catch up (<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/ucw-award-winner-nigels-remarkable-growth/">UCW Award Winner Nigel’s Remarkable Growth – University Centre Weston</a>), to find out how he has been getting on with his <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/registered-nursing-degree-apprenticeship/… Nurse Degree Apprenticeship</a> after completing a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/nursing-associate-fdsc/">Nursing Associate Foundation Degree</a>!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Nigel’s Blog –</strong></p><p>Progressing from my Nursing Associate foundation degree into the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) felt like a natural next step in my career. The foundation degree gave me a strong clinical base, so moving into the RNDA has allowed me to build on that knowledge while taking on more responsibility. My understanding of the nurse’s role has grown significantly, and I now feel I am developing into a more confident and capable practitioner.</p><p>One of the biggest surprises for me has been how closely academic learning connects with day-to-day practice. Topics discussed in university sessions often appear in real clinical situations, which really helps to reinforce my learning and make it more meaningful. Being able to see theory applied in practice has strengthened my confidence and helped me understand the “why” behind what we do.</p><p>My previous experience as a Nursing Associate has helped me settle into the RNDA programme. I already felt confident within my clinical setting and in communicating with patients and multidisciplinary teams. This has meant I can focus more on developing my leadership and decision-making skills, as well as becoming more inquisitive about why care is delivered in certain ways, rather than simply carrying out tasks.</p><p>What I am finding most rewarding about the RNDA is developing deeper clinical knowledge and becoming more involved in-patient assessment and care planning. Being able to contribute more meaningfully to patient care and see the direct impact on patient outcomes is incredibly motivating.</p><p>I have also developed stronger assessment and critical thinking skills, which are already influencing my clinical practice. These skills help me make more informed clinical decisions and contribute more confidently during handovers and multidisciplinary discussions. They also support my colleagues, as I am able to provide more comprehensive background information and assessments when handing over patients, saving valuable time for others such as GPs.</p><p>Learning at UCW continues to support my confidence and clinical decision-making. The teaching encourages reflective practice and evidence-based decision-making, which has really helped me grow. I feel more confident with patient assessments and now have a deeper understanding of my own limitations. UCW are also very proactive in ensuring we are aware of the support available, which has been reassuring throughout my studies.</p><p>Since starting the degree apprenticeship, my long-term career goals have become clearer. I have developed a strong interest in specialising in long-term condition management and taking on expanded clinical responsibilities. I am increasingly focused on the impact of what we do and why we do it, rather than seeing my role as purely task-based.</p><p>To work towards these ambitions, I am actively seeking learning opportunities in practice that focus on long-term condition management and specialist care. I am also planning future study that will enable me to progress onto a prescribing course once I qualify as a registered nurse and meet the required enrolment criteria. More recently, I have also developed an interest in becoming a contraceptive implant fitter once qualified. Spending time alongside implant fitters introduced me to a role I had not previously considered and showed me how valuable clinical exposure can be in shaping future career interests.</p><p>For anyone considering the RNDA route or a degree apprenticeship at UCW, I would strongly encourage you to pursue it. While balancing work and study can be challenging at times, the support available and the practical experience gained make the journey highly rewarding. The apprenticeship route offers the best of both worlds: real-world clinical experience alongside academic learning.</p><p>The RNDA pathway has given me an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to deliver patient care. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and what new skills I can learn along the way. <strong>Thank you, UCW, for the opportunity.</strong></p>

<p data-start="497" data-end="679">This <strong>National Apprenticeship Week,</strong> we spoke to <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust</a> <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">(UHBW)</a&gt; about how their apprenticeships are shaping careers!</p><p data-start="497" data-end="679">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>UHBW Blog -&nbsp;</strong></p><p>At University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to work in partnership with Weston College and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston </a>to offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities that help learners build meaningful careers while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace.</p><p>Apprenticeships are a vital part of how we grow our workforce, develop talent, and support individuals to reach their full potential. We currently offer a broad range of <strong>Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships </strong>across many essential sectors, including<strong> Nursing, Nursing Associate, Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW), Electrician, Carpentry, Hospitality, Occupational Therapy </strong>and potentially<strong> Physiotherapy.</strong> This diverse offer means learners from different backgrounds and interests can find a pathway that suits their ambitions, whether they are drawn to clinical care, technical trades, or support services.</p><p>Our apprentices learn in an active, real-world workplace where they can develop skills alongside experienced professionals. Typically, learners spend one day per week studying, with the remainder of the week working in their role within UHBW. This blend of practical experience and structured learning allows apprentices to apply knowledge immediately, while receiving guidance from both their employer and Weston College or UCW. On successful completion, apprentices gain a recognised qualification, setting them up for future career progression.</p><p>At UHBW, we value attitude as much as qualifications. We look for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn, and able to advocate for themselves in order to maximise learning opportunities. If you’re curious, proactive, and ready to grow, you’ll fit right in.</p><p>We regularly see apprentices thrive at UHBW. One standout example is a Healthcare Support Worker apprentice who was invited to appear on a podcast to share their experiences, highlighting both the impact of their role and the confidence they’ve gained through their apprenticeship journey.</p><p>Apprenticeships are a truly mutually beneficial arrangement. They help us build a skilled workforce tailored to our needs, improve retention and loyalty, and reduce recruitment and training costs. By growing our own talent, we invest in people who already understand our values, culture, and commitment to patient care.</p><p>Progression into a full-time role after completing an apprenticeship is dependent on the specific programme and the availability of vacancies. However, many apprentices do go on to secure permanent positions or progress to higher-level training within UHBW.</p><p>UHBW does not work to fixed recruitment dates, but we generally align with the usual college intake cycles. Learners are encouraged to talk to their manager about their interest, discuss progression during appraisals or supervision, and complete a careers conversation if they are unsure about the best pathway. All recruitment updates are shared via UHBW’s internal recruitment pages and Viva Engage communications.</p><p>For anyone considering an apprenticeship, our advice is simple: go for it. An apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to get paid while you learn, build annual leave entitlement, develop valuable skills, work for a great employer, and gain a qualification without paying tuition fees. It’s a powerful way to start or change your career.</p>

<p data-start="267" data-end="409">We spoke with <a href="https://www.muller.co.uk/">Müller</a&gt; about the Leadership and Management apprenticeships they offer through Weston College, designed to develop their employee's skills and support career progression.</p><p data-start="411" data-end="431">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Could you briefly introduce Müller and the work the organisation does?</strong></p><p>We make dairy that makes people smile – as well as being nutritious and delicious! From Müller Corner yogurts to the 100% British milk you put in your morning cuppa, our products have been loved across the UK &amp; Ireland for generations.</p><p>Sourcing milk from over 1,000 farms up and down the UK, we serve millions of families every day with a range of branded and private label goods which are nutritious and delicious. We’re one of the UK and Ireland’s major dairy manufacturers and, with milk in 97% of UK fridges and yogurt in 78%, there’s a very good chance you have a Müller product in yours.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Can you outline the Leadership and Management training you offer?</strong></p><p>We presently offer Level 3 and Level 5 Leadership training that is designed to give Muller Colleagues the opportunity to develop, extend their knowledge and progress their careers with our business. The courses are designed to allow sufficient time for each member on each cohort to spend time, not only learning about their apprenticeship, but also getting to know colleagues across the business.</p><p>Each Cohort is aligned to provide a block release period every 6-8 weeks for all individuals to attend and spend 3 days together with Weston College and to work with one another, supporting each other through their journey. We purposely vary locations across the UK, using both Muller facilities, so that colleagues get to visit other locations in the Muller Network, and also, off site locations to allow each Cohort time to focus away from the work environment.</p><p>It is hopeful that the program will provide individuals and the muller business, clear lines of succession and internal promotion opportunities</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What kind of impact has the Leadership and Management training had on participants?</strong></p><p>We have had a couple of individuals so far that have been offered opportunities to move into new roles. Please see some Bio’s from some of the management team below.</p><p><em>“Our apprentice is currently undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management which has already had a positive impact on both his development and our wider function. The programme has given the individual a deeper understanding of various leadership styles and how to apply them effectively in his day-to-day role. This has strengthened his confidence, improved his decision-making and enhanced the way he supports the team. The apprenticeship is also helping to build a strong pipeline of future leaders through the academy, creating further opportunities for growth within the business.”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>“Both of our apprentices have been given exposure to certain meetings (management meeting and Business planning) which aids them with their exposure to other sites and knowledge of higher level detail. They have been going above and beyond their job role as they have taken on certain projects to aid with the course and support the business. And we are really pleased to say that one of our apprentices has recently been seconded into a shift lead role with the support of the course getting her ready for that next step.”</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why do you believe it is important for organisations to continuously upskill their staff?</strong></p><p>We believe in creating an environment whereby people feel valued. In Muller, we want individuals to be able to develop both personally and technically and to equip them with the right skills to progress their careers. For any successful organisation, people must be at the heart of everything they do. Failure to give people the opportunity to develop often leads to individuals becoming stagnant, uninterested and potentially looking for other roles.</p><p>If organisations invest, they create interest, a desire to develop, an engaged and knowledgeable workforce that provides clear succession plans and futureproofs any business.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Are there any standout success stories from learners who have completed the programme?</strong></p><p>We have a couple of individuals that have so far been offered secondment roles into more senior positions and are thriving. We are confident that this will continue as the course evolves through 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the number of staff you hope to enrol on this course?</strong></p><p>We hope to have approximately 40-60 colleagues undertaking the Level 3 and 5 Apprenticeships per year for the next 5 years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Finally, what broader impact do you hope this training will have on the businesses that invest in their employees through this programme?</strong></p><p>Lower Turnover and a more engaged and knowledgeable workforce.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9206b0a-2ceb-43a8-8cc9-a0fc47f30aec" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_900x900&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity></a>