Bournemouth University, Poole

What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices value the highly supportive learning environment that leaders have created. Lecturers maintain a professional environment for learning where apprentices are comfortable testing their new learning. For example, a case study including decision-making about administering a drug that was out of date and had been stored incorrectly provided the opportunity for apprentices to explore their thinking and test their proposed actions in a safe environment. As a result, apprentices are not afraid to explore challenging concepts, which deepens their learning.

Apprentices see lecturers as aspirational role models who encourage them to enjoy their training and become highly motivated. Because of this, apprentices look for opportunities to extend their learning to support their future careers. For example, where apprentices show an interest in working in palliative care or major injuries, they are supported to secure relevant work placements and set goals which extend their learning in this area. As a result, apprentices develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours and often go on to secure permanent jobs in their areas of interest.

What does the provider do well and what does it need to do better?

Despite the significant challenges in the healthcare sector during the pandemic, leaders ensured that a high proportion of apprentices successfully completed and achieved their qualifications. Almost all apprentices played critical healthcare and leadership roles throughout this period, including undertaking additional tasks such as covering for colleagues during this challenging time. Throughout this period, leaders and lecturers worked highly effectively to support apprentices' well-being. As a result, over two thirds of apprentices passed their qualifications and almost all achieved distinctions.

Leaders have established excellent strategic links with healthcare providers and the NHS to ensure that the curriculums they provide support regional and national skills needs. They respond very well to the requirements of employers and apprentices, ensuring that the content of the apprenticeships they provide meets the needs of healthcare services. For example, in response to a request from employers, leaders introduced critical-incident simulations. As a result, apprentices learn how to collaborate with other healthcare responders and experience working under the pressure of crises responses.

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