NHS England confirms mitigation funding for Level 7 apprenticeships
NHS England (NHSE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have announced a secured commitment to continue funding Level 7 apprenticeships until 2029 in five professions critical to delivering the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
Further information, including an invitation to an NHSE employer briefing being held on Wednesday 13 August 2025, will be shared with employers by NHSE regional apprenticeship leads.
From April 2026 funding will be available, subject to eligibility criteria, for the following apprenticeships:
- Advanced clinical practitioner
- Specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN)
- District nurse (Community Specialist Practice Qualification)
- Clinical associate in psychology (CAP)
- Population health intelligence specialist (PHIS)
This initiative supports the wider apprenticeship agenda, strengthens workforce capacity in community settings, and contributes to social mobility and widening access goals.
Funding will be allocated through the Education and Training Activity Programme (ETAP) as a training grant. Employers will submit an expression of interest (EOI) to access funding, which will be distributed nationally based on workforce need, training provider capacity, and strategic priorities.
The fund will be available to a range of employer organisations:
- National organisations
- Integrated care boards
- NHS trusts
- Primary care and independent providers
- Integrated health and social care organisations
- Third sector and charitable providers
- Other organisations contracted to deliver NHS or public health services
Additional information on funding is expected in September 2025. NHS Employers will share further details on the EOI process and timelines when available.
For queries, contact NHSE: england.nhsapprenticeships@nhs.net
