Launch of healthcare education partnership

A new healthcare education partnership involving Telford College, Keele University and key employers in the health and social care sector has been officially launched.

It coincides with the start of a new Nursing Associate apprenticeship, which is being delivered by Keele University at the college’s Wellington campus.

Partners involved in the project – along with some of the first cohort of students – came together for an official launch event in the college’s healthcare training centre.

It was an opportunity to thank staff for the hard work done so far to get the project off the ground, and look forward to more innovations over the coming months.

Telford College principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood said: “I’m really excited about the potential of this partnership, which encapsulates our college’s values perfectly – ambition, respect and connection. Partnerships like this are absolutely key for us at the college.”

Professor Kevin Shakesheff, vice-chancellor of Keele University, said: "This partnership is something we're hugely proud of at Keele, and we're excited for the opportunities it will create.

“Not only will this help us to reach even more talented students with the drive and determination to work in healthcare, but it will also increase opportunities for local people in Shropshire and ensure students don't have to leave the area to pursue their ambitions." 

Simon Whitehouse, chief executive of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cluster for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “I’ve been here several times now, and every time it inspires me.

“This is about aspiration for local people. The commitment demonstrated so far now needs to go forward, to make this initiative even better than it already is.”

Sarah Davies, executive director for partnerships and employer engagement at Telford College, said the partnership also aligned with the local authority’s ‘Stay Near, Go Far’ campaign promoting locally-based career, education, and training opportunities.

“For far too long we have seen some of the best health students leaving the county to live, study and work elsewhere. This is about making sure that does not continue to happen.”

Alison Trumper, from Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care System, said: “This collaboration is dedicated to providing career entry routes into the health and care sector, benefiting not only our young people but individuals across all generations.

“In partnership with the NHS and care providers who provide learning placements, we are able to enhance those learning opportunities for members of our community to pursue their career aspirations right here in our local area.”

Pictured: Nursing Associate apprentices and T-Level students shared their stories as part of the launch