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, 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 the West of England, 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 145,000 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, employing over 8,700 staff and recognised nationally for research and education.

About the apprenticeship

This four year programme combines university study with hands on clinical learning.

As a Nursing Apprentice you will:

• Work as part of a designated clinical team delivering patient-centred care
• Complete protected supernumerary practice placements as a nursing apprentice
• Participate in allocated study and learning time
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse

You will be supported throughout the programme by experienced mentors, clinical educators and university staff.

Applications are also welcomed from Nursing Associates who wish to progress to Registered Nurse status.

For additional information please see attached Job description

What you’ll gain

• A fully funded Adult Nursing degree
• A salary while you train
• Experience across a range of healthcare settings
• Support from mentors and practice educators
• A clear pathway to becoming a Registered Adult Nurse

Entry requirements

1. You will be required to upload certificates of:

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent
• A Level 3 qualification - A Levels, BTEC, T Levels, Access to HE Diploma or equivalent, (Applicants waiting for A Level, Level 3, T-Level or Higher Level qualification results are advised to indicate predicted final grades.)

If you hold higher level qualifications (such as a degree or postgraduate qualification), these may be considered.

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

Essential

• GCSE in English and Maths at Level C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• A Level’s at grade C or above or equivalent, or Level 3 study recognised as sufficient for entry (this may include a full Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care or Access to Higher Education).

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively interact with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
• Can demonstrate understanding and share the Trusts values of Working Together for Patients, With Compassion, As One Team and Always Improving.
• Can demonstrate understanding and share the Trust values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Everyone counts.

Desirable

• Evidence of previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Evidence of undertaking virtual/online learning. 

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years or over at programme start
• Have the right to work in the UK and meet apprenticeship funding requirements
• Be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health clearance Read more about professional checks

Key Dates

Closing date: Monday 23 March 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 13 April 2026

Employment start date with the Trust: no later than August2026
Programme start with the University of the West England: October 2026 (subject to approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council).

For questions about entry requirements, qualifications or residency eligibility, please contact the Admissions Team at the University of the West of England Bristol:
Eligibility criteria
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 84888

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.