New report on midwifery degree apprenticeships
![A midwife with a patient on a home visit.](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image_mobile/public/2021-07/Midwife-home-visit.jpg?h=fe9c84e6&itok=K0OL1v1I)
An independent report, commissioned by NHS England and the Royal College of Midwives, has found registered midwifery degree apprenticeships improve accessibility and workforce retention.
Summary of the key findings:
- Improved relationships between the host employer and the university, enabling graduate apprentices to swiftly transition into employment post-qualification.
- There was no material difference in competency between graduates from traditional and apprenticeship routes.
- Significantly lower attrition rates compared to traditional routes, almost zero compared to 13 per cent.
- The programme supported diversity by offering development opportunities for mature apprentices, people with caring responsibilities, and those from non-white backgrounds.
- Most apprentices were drawn from the maternity support workforce, fostering an in-built commitment and understanding of the maternity services.
You can read the full report on the Royal College of Midwives’ website.