27th June 2023

All Your Questions Answered!

Since the government announced the new NHS Long term Workforce Plan just a week ago, we've been asked by many students about the doctor apprenticeship scheme – when will it be introduced and how will it work?

We’ve been doing our research into this so here’s what we found out so far (as new information is released, we will update this page):



WHY IS THE NHS INTRODUCING THIS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME?

The NHS needs to train and retain more doctors to ensure the future of the NHS. It is designed to provide an alternative route into medicine and help more people of different backgrounds into the profession. It will also alleviate the financial burdens associated with traditional medical education. Existing healthcare workers and graduates in related degrees will also be encouraged to apply (their apprenticeship may be shortened to take account of their experience).


WHO WILL EMPLOY ME?

You will be employed by a healthcare organisation (most likely an NHS Healthcare Trust), who will have the autonomy to employ apprentices to satisfy their own local workforce needs.


WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

The entry requirements will be set by the employer in consultation with the partnership Medical schools. Currently there are no plans to include the BMAT and UKCAT, tests but selection will be interview based and the same preparation will be required. You will also need to meet all other criteria as set out by the General Medical Council, including similar qualifications (currently 3 A Levels including Chemistry and Biology but it is possible that  and BTECS will be accepted by some employers). Those from disadvantaged backgrounds may be offered a contextual lower offer.


WILL I START WORKING ON WARDS STRAIGHT AWAY?

Yes, apprentices will work as trainee medical practitioner safely under the supervision at a level appropriate to their stage of training (some medical schools already integrate practical training into their courses from day one).


WILL I EARN A WAGE?

Yes, like all apprenticeships you will, and there are no tuition fees either. Each employer will decide on the salary offered as long as it’s above the the minimum wage.


HOW LONG WILL THE APPRENTICESHIP LAST?

It will last for 5 years. Afterwards you can apply for a two year Foundation Programme (salaried) to continue your path towards becoming a more experienced doctor in any field of medicine. 


HOW MUCH TIME WILL I SPEND STUDYING?

This will be determined by the employer and the partner medical school, but it will be considerably more than the minimum of 20% for degree apprenticeships.


WILL APPRENTICES LEARN THE SAME AMOUNT AS A FULL-TIME DEGREE?

Yes – they will be trained to the same nationally recognised standards. They will need to attend medical school and complete the same degree as all other trainee doctors


WHEN WILL THE SCHEME START?

There will be a pilot scheme initially, which can be applied for in September 2024. There is currently no information on which employer will be running these or where they will be.


SOUNDS GREAT – ANY DISADVANTAGES?

Juggling work and study is a challenge so you need to have excellent organisational and time-management skills. You will need to be adaptable as you will be exposed to different learning environments, and you must be comfortable with both practical and academic learning. This is not a practical alternative to a full-time degree.


HOW DO I LOOK FOR VACANCIES?

Create accounts with NHS Jobs and Find An Apprenticeship and set up alerts for new postings.

For More Information: Skills For Health: Medical Doctor Apprenticeship

Portal resources:

See Your Future Be Your Future

Apprenticeships