Students on the nurse associate apprenticeship have been working in hospitals, GP practices and community bases while studying at Edge Hill and this week they came together to celebrate completing their two-year foundation degree.
Nurse associates work alongside nurses and step in to care for patients with less complicated conditions across all four fields of nursing – adult, child, learning disabilities and mental health.
Dr Jane Rooney, apprenticeship lead for the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, said: “As a civic university with a historic commitment to widening participation, we are supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds to pursue the careers they’ve dreamed of.
“They are earning while studying so there isn’t the same financial burden and they know they have a job lined up when they graduate.
“We are also supporting the NHS 10-year plan which highlights the importance of apprenticeships in upskilling the workforce by providing alternative routes into health professions.”
Edge Hill also provides apprenticeships in operating department practice (ODP), advanced clinical practice and nursing.
Holly Cottom, an ODP apprentice, said: “The apprenticeship has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.
“I have developed resilience, clinical competence and a strong professional identity while balancing the demands of work and university life.
“The support from mentors, lecturers and colleagues has been highly beneficial, and overcoming challenges along the way has made the achievement even more meaningful.
“This experience has shaped my future career by providing clear professional direction and a strong foundation in perioperative practice, reinforcing my commitment to healthcare and preparing me to transition confidently into a qualified operating department practitioner role and beyond.”
Edge Hill’s apprenticeships are rigorously assessed and scrutinised by the government, NHS and Ofsted ensuring the highest levels of teaching and learning. Collaboration with NHS partners including Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust confirm clinical excellence.
Dr Rooney has created a new ‘Edge Together’ forum to bring partners across all apprenticeships together with University representatives, to support each other and the students.
“We want to support our professional partners and our students and this new forum will enable us all to share good practice and discuss challenges and how to overcome them in a safe, informal space.
“I’m really passionate about apprenticeships. They provide practical, skills-based opportunities for those who might not otherwise have had the chance, and that’s what we’re really good at here at Edge Hill.”
Find out more about higher and degree apprenticeships at Edge Hill University.
February 13, 2026
