The Midwifery team at the University of Winchester hosted three successful taster days for those interested in studying for a Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship.
The days were attended by approximately 50 maternity support workers from six different NHS Trusts – HHFT, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Oxford University Hospital, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust and University Hospital Dorset – as well as college students taking health-related level 3 courses at Andover College and Queen Mary’s Basingstoke.
In January the University welcomed the first cohort of students onto its Midwifery BSC course and Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship.
The taster days introduced Midwifery Support Workers and FE students to the Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship Programme and gave them the chance to meet current Apprentices.
The days included provided a tour of the facilities and clinical suite and interactive workshops.
The addition of a degree apprenticeship pathway for midwifery, the only one of its kind in the region, was particularly welcomed by the NHS.
The University of Winchester’s aims to increase equality of opportunity, in line with its Access and Participation Plan (APP) by accepting a range of equivalents to A levels in the entry criteria for the course.
The Taster Days set out to inspire people from a diverse range of backgrounds into a profession which seeks to represent the population.
Ally Young (Curriculum Lead for Health) and Rachel Cox (Health & Social Care Lecturer) from Andover College escorted six students, studying T-Level Nursing to the event.
Ally said: “The Taster Day provided a better insight into the Midwifery apprenticeship pathway, and made it real, with practical activities. The current Midwifery Apprentices offered inspiration to the T-Level students”.
Feedback from the days from attendees was extremely positive. Comments included:
“Inspiring, good to see the learning environment and experience sim lab. Great to chat to current MDA too!”
“Excellent information and realistic expectation setting”
“Application and interview tips were helpful and it was great to hear what support the university offer”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the day gave me great insight as to what to expect on the course.”
Dr Kate Nash, Lead Midwife for Education at the University, said: “The feedback has been really positive. Both the employer and taster days have helped to strengthen employer partnership working and inspire and support future aspiring apprentices who wish to embark upon the midwifery degree apprenticeship programme.”
For more Information about the Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship visit vhttps://www.winchester.ac.uk/study/Apprenticeships/Degree-Apprenticeship-Programmes/BSc-Hons-Midwifery-Apprenticeship-2024/
Two new videos have been posted on the University website in which current trainees describe their experiences of their courses so far. Watch them at BSc (Hons) Midwifery 2024 - University of Winchester and BSc (Hons) Midwifery Apprenticeship 2024 - University of Winchester