Work-based learning

As an apprentice you are an employee of the Trusts or Private, Independent, Voluntary and Other (PIVO) organisations and you may be on a trainee contract for all of your contracted hours (this is decided by your employer so any concerns regarding this must be discussed with them). The total full programme hours are 4680. Accelerated programme hours are 4640 (including 2300 hours from the nursing associate programme). The programme hours are split into 50% theory and 50% practice. In order to undertake this apprenticeship programme you are required to be working a minimum of 30 hours per week in order to ensure sufficient, regular training, sufficient off-the job activity and to document all hours carefully within your e-portfolio (Education and Skills Funding Agency, 2018). The off-the-job training element is a minimum of 6 hours per week, takes place during your paid hours and is for the purpose of achieving your apprenticeship. Examples include being taught in a classroom, independent study, being mentored in practice or shadowing or reading whilst in placement. 

Any other paid work outside of the programme hours must be discussed with your employer and programme team. This is a full-time programme and any additional paid work should not interfere with your ability to meet 

the course requirements in theory or practice. Where the Department feels this is having a detrimental impact on your studies you will be asked to discuss this with your personal supervisor, programme team and a meeting may need to take place with your employer. 

Please note that any work commitments should avoid timetabled University study days and the Working Time Regulations (1998) stipulate a person ‘shall not exceed an average of 48 hours for each seven days.’ This refers to your total hours in practice (and includes those within practice placement). 

You are required to attend university on your timetabled days. For the remainder of the theoretical programme hours you are required to participate in independent study, guided reading or assessment activity in order that you meet the module learning outcomes. 

Fields of Practice 

There are three Fields of Practice (FoP) available within the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship: Adult, Child and Mental Health nursing. 

You will have selected a FoP when completing your expression of interest form with your employer. Your FoP should relate to your base placement and must have been agreed with your employer prior to application. 

If you change employer and, as a result you may need to change your FoP, then please refer to the information later in this section of the Handbook: ‘Change Your Plan’.