Investment for New Generation of Health and Social Care Professionals in Bolton

A £20 million levelling up investment awarded to a ‘game-changing’ ultra-modern vocational and professional training facility for NHS and social care workers in Bolton has been greeted with delight.

The funding for Bolton College of Medical Sciences will support the education of the next generation of professionals.

It will provide new training opportunities, direct routes into health and social care roles, and upskill existing staff to further their career development.

A first of its kind in the UK, the unique partnership model between the University of Bolton, Bolton Council, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton College will see healthcare training delivered on the hospital site.

An increase in local educational opportunities will ensure that young people born and raised in Bolton will have the same opportunities as those elsewhere in the country, while also attracting talent from outside of the city to come and train in Bolton.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, described the Levelling Up bid success as “a historic moment for our town and the University”.

He said: “This announcement means more than levelling up, it provides a springboard to an entirely different level in Bolton, which will provide high-quality professional medical careers for generations to come".

“It really is a game-changer and we are delighted by the news. It also takes the University to a whole new level in terms of training in medicine – all the more important in the context of the strains the NHS continues to face.

“Bolton College of Medical Sciences marks a new era of healthcare skills and training and we are tremendously grateful to Bolton Council for supporting this bid.”

It is planned that the College will welcome the first students in 2024, with space to train around 3,000 students a year, including 1,000 apprentices within social care roles.

The funding will level up healthcare in Bolton by transforming the way NHS staff are trained.

The modern learning hub will help upskill existing professionals as well as the next generation, improving the care provided to the people of the city.