The money from the Office for Students (OfS) will benefit existing health and care staff, new entrants to the healthcare sector and school and further education leavers. 

It is part of the third wave of a £40m degree apprenticeships funding competition by the OfS and will see Coventry University's School of Health and Care work together with collaborators in further education and health and social care to deliver the expansion of Level 6 apprenticeships in biomedical science, diagnostic radiography, midwifery, operating department practice, occupational therapy, podiatry, and registered nursing.

Amanda Royston, strategic lead of integrated health and care at Coventry University, said: 'The project will expand healthcare apprenticeship options for both new entrants and existing health and care staff, particularly targeting those leaving FE institutions. By developing an ecosystem that supports apprentices from diverse backgrounds, we aim to build a skilled, sustainable healthcare workforce equipped to meet future demands.'

Coventry University aims to deliver a minimum of 540 new and additional apprenticeship starts per year by 2026/07, with at least a third available to school and college leavers who at present have little or no opportunity to undertake a Level 6-degree apprenticeship in a registered healthcare profession.

Danielle Fullwood, head of strategic education and skills at Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, added: ‘Broadening apprenticeship opportunities to underrepresented groups not only addresses the skills gap in health and care but also supports regional economic development. By providing career pathways for local FE and school leavers, we can create a healthcare workforce that genuinely reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.'