// Five Midwifery T Level learners have secured placements. Pictured (l-r): Malaika, Titi, Evie, Romiejay, Isabelle
In a first for the Greater Manchester region, five of our T Level learners are gaining real-world experience with midwifery teams by embarking on industry placements within the NHS.
These learners will take part in midwifery observation placements this spring, on the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust’s (NCA) Cadet Programme. They will then progress onto a full 10-week placement in their second year. The NCA Cadet Programme is offered in partnership with Oldham College as part of our Health T Levels.
This is part of a broader piece of work, coordinated by NHS Greater Manchester, and supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to increase T Level placement capacity across the Greater Manchester health and care system.
A T Level is a two-year qualification that is delivered through 80% classroom learning and 20% work placement. On completion, learners can progress onto a higher apprenticeship, university study or into employment.
We have a long-standing strong working relationship with the NCA through delivering Health T Level courses since 2021, and are at the cutting edge of T Level placement developments.
Sue Howard, Head of Workforce Development at NHS Greater Manchester, says: “We are thrilled that learners will now have the opportunity to undertake maternity placements for the first time in Greater Manchester at college level. This is providing the health and care system with a new and exciting opportunity to grow the workforce pipeline.”
Jen Hedley, Head of Faculty for Caring Professions, says: “Within Greater Manchester, midwifery is an area that has historically had significant issues with recruitment, due to sector shortages. Opportunities such as this are helping towards overcoming barriers and are vital for creating and strengthening the future workforce.
Rohema Khan, Head of People Development Learning & Organisational Development at the NCA, says: “The NCA are committed to providing valuable opportunities for young people within our local communities and it is fantastic to be able to offer these midwifery placements. Our T Level program continues to evolve, going from strength to strength, and we remain dedicated to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
To secure their placements, learners underwent an interview with industry experts Kathryn Bond, Midwifery Lecturer, and Azania Murphy, Lead Midwife for Education at the NCA. Five of the learners were successful in securing the maternity unit placements and these will commence in April.
“Learners worked really hard to prepare for these interviews, and the successful outcomes are a big testament to their dedication. I look forward to seeing how their knowledge, skills and behaviours develop further on placement.” (Jen Hedley)
Kathryn described the learners as “prepared” and said: “They were articulate and able to apply their personal skills to healthcare. They showed maturity beyond their years and their understanding of midwifery care was excellent.”
Azania added: “The process highlights that there are so many dedicated young people that have the drive to become midwives and that more organisations should offer exposure to maternity services.”
From September, we will commence delivery of the Support the Midwifery Team occupational specialism as part of our Health T Level offering.
