Teenager on the path to becoming a nurse thanks to University of Bolton degree apprenticeship

An 18-year-old nursing apprentice told employers at a special networking event that her University of Bolton degree apprenticeship was giving her “fantastic experience”.

Ellie Edwards, who is enrolled on a Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) degree apprenticeship programme said: “I love the course, it has given me the chance to train to be a nurse, which I have wanted to do since I was child.”

Ellie presented to an audience of employers at an Apprenticeship Employer Breakfast networking event, organised by the University of Bolton.

Before joining the degree apprenticeship at the University in September, she had studied a T Level in Health and Social Care at Bolton College, which is part of the University of Bolton Group.

Ellie, from Astley near Wigan, works on placement “three long days each week” at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

She said she aims to ‘top up’ after she completes her degree apprenticeship with the ambition to become a registered nurse.

“I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. I was writing in books at school as a young child that being a nurse was what I wanted to do when I was older so it is fantastic to be on placement in a hospital now,” she said.

“Everyone at the University is so supportive and I am really enjoying the course, it is fantastic.”

There are just over 2,000 apprentices across the whole University of Bolton Group. The event was organised as part of National Apprenticeship Week.