The report from University Alliance and the University of Derby highlights financial constraints and disincentives, issues with capacity and support, as well as coordination challenges between employers and education providers.

Using existing evidence, a survey and in-depth qualitative interviews of current and former apprentices, alongside employers and staff at higher education institutions, the report provides targeted policy recommendations for employers, universities, policy makers and government to overcome these barriers.

Dr Denise Baker, chair of the University Alliance Deans of Health Network and pro vice-chancellor and dean of the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: ‘Degree apprenticeships are at the heart of NHS England's plan to grow the healthcare workforce. Despite apprentices valuing the opportunities that apprenticeships bring, our new report highlights that there are still significant challenges that are hindering their expansion: whether it be a lack of capacity for delivering placements, or an off-putting number of burdensome regulations and financial disincentives for employers and educators.

‘Apprentices we interviewed were hugely enthusiastic about apprenticeships, but still recognise that there are more improvements to be made to how they are supported through their learning journey. Persistent issues of capacity and resource must be addressed to ensure apprenticeship programmes can be delivered sustainably. Finally, the perception that apprenticeships are somehow less valued needs to be tackled with stronger public awareness of the benefits of healthcare degree apprenticeships in order to drive recruitment and retention.'

Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance, added: ‘Healthcare apprenticeships are currently a shifting policy environment, with the proposed removal of levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships a likely drag on high-level skills development in the NHS, and with continued uncertainty around the new NHS 10-year plan and a refreshed workforce plan expected later this year.

‘We are saying that, to scale up apprenticeship provision in healthcare, there are significant, but not insurmountable barriers and disincentives that must be tackled collectively by higher education institutions, employers, NHS trusts and policymakers across government.'

The full report is available here.