In a first for the Greater Manchester region, five learners from Oldham College are gaining real-world experience as midwives by embarking on industry placements within the NHS.
These learners will undergo Midwifery observation placements this spring, on the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust’s (NCA) Cadet Programme. In their second year, they will progress onto a full 10-week placement.
The NCA Cadet Programme is offered in partnership with Oldham College as part of its Health T Levels.
A T Level is a two-year qualification that offers a work-based, technical alternative to A Levels. The course is delivered through 80% classroom learning and 20% work placement. On completion, learners can progress onto a higher apprenticeship, university study or into employment.
Oldham College was chosen for the Midwifery pilot due to the strong working relationship developed with the NCA through delivering Health T Level courses since 2021.
Jen Hedley, Head of Faculty for Caring Professions at Oldham College, said: “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.
“Learners worked really hard to prepare for the interviews, and these successful outcomes are a big testament to their dedication. I look forward to seeing how their knowledge, skills and behaviours develop further on placement.”
To secure their placements, the learners underwent an interview with industry experts Kathryn Bond, Midwife, and Azania Murphy, Lead Midwife for Education at the NCA.
Five learners successfully obtained placements and will begin these in April.
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.”
