Empowering adult learners for high-impact roles in health and social care

Hugh Baird College has introduced an employer-led pre-apprenticeship programme in health and social care to support NHS workforce recruitment and provide adults with high-quality clinical placement opportunities alongside essential sector training. Developed in close partnership with local NHS Trusts, the programme prepares learners for entry-level healthcare roles and progression into nursing and allied health pathways.

Learners develop core competencies including mental health awareness, dementia care, digital skills for NHS systems, and professional behaviours such as resilience, teamwork, confidentiality and patient-centred communication. This ensures participants are equipped with both the practical and interpersonal skills required to succeed in clinical environments.

The programme runs as a 12-week course for adults aged 19+, with learners attending college three days per week and completing NHS ward-based placements two days per week over a two to six week period. Three cohorts of 15 to 20 learners are delivered each year, supporting approximately 45 to 60 adults annually. Placements are offered across medical and surgical wards, elderly and dementia care units, mental health services and outpatient clinics, allowing learners to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

Outcomes are strong, with over 60% of learners progressing into NHS employment through bank roles, apprenticeships or full-time posts, and a further 20% continuing into additional training. Learners also complete key mandatory requirements for healthcare settings, building confidence and readiness for progression.

Alongside this, a fast-track, contextualised English and maths programme, co-designed with The Royal Liverpool University Hospital Trust and delivered on-site, supports existing NHS staff to progress into trainee nursing associate roles, assistant practitioner apprenticeships, higher education or nursing degrees, strengthening internal workforce progression routes.

This pathway widens access to healthcare careers, addresses local skills shortages and supports adults to overcome barriers to employment through structured learning, high-quality placements and clear progression routes into sustainable NHS careers.