Degree apprenticeships are a relatively new method of obtaining a dietetic degree, either at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The apprenticeship is delivered through work-based learning and taught sessions provided by a university, and on completion of the apprenticeship, students can apply to the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), allowing them to practice as a registered dietitian.

There are huge benefits to undertaking this route, with students receiving a salary and annual leave whilst they study, as well as having the course fees covered. Employees can also greatly benefit from providing apprenticeships, as discussed in this article.

I have been fortunate enough to recently undertake a level seven degree apprenticeship (MSc in Dietetics and Leadership) with the support of my current employer. I am now awaiting confirmation from the University’s exam board and subsequent HCPC registration, but I am incredibly keen to start my career as a dietitian! Keep reading to find out how to apply for a dietetic apprenticeship, how it's taught, the benefits, and challenges.

There are a few ways in which you can obtain a degree apprenticeship. If you are employed and the opportunity arises within your current workplace, you may be able to undertake the apprenticeship with the support of your current employer. Alternatively, some employers may wish to recruit apprentices through new job roles. In this case, the apprenticeship would be advertised on the NHS jobs website.

I was very fortunate that my employer sought the opportunity to implement the apprenticeship into the development of our team. This enabled me to continue my role as a band four Dietetic Assistant Practitioner whilst studying to become a dietitian. For those employed as a dietetic support worker within an NHS trust that is yet to implement apprenticeships into its workforce, it may be worth enquiring about this through a discussion with your line manager.

Currently, there are only a number of universities offering a dietetic degree as an apprenticeship, including: Teesside University, Sheffield Hallam University, Coventry University, Bournemouth (Health Sciences University), the University of Plymouth, and the University of Hertfordshire.

The entry requirements differ between universities and the level of apprenticeship. Commonly, learning providers ask for a minimum of five GCSEs (A-C/9-4) and a level three qualification (e.g., BTEC National, A-Levels, NVQ level three). For those seeking to undertake a level seven (MSc) degree apprenticeship, an honours degree (2:2 or above) is generally required.

 Students must also be contracted to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, which may be problematic for those already in employment but choosing to work less than this; I found it challenging to adapt to, as I had to increase my hours to undertake this course. It’s also worth noting that during placements, it is likely that you will need to work 37.5 hours per week to complete the 1,000 hours required.

The course I completed was taught through a combination of on-the-job learning and studying through online sessions, lectures on campus, and placement, which required me to complete 1,000 hours of practice-based learning. I undertook four varied placements, one of which involved online simulations and was conducted by the university. The second placement was self-led, and we were encouraged to find a workplace outside of the NHS for variation. The third and fourth placements (10 and 12 weeks long) were organised by my employer, which I was able to complete locally. As a parent, this was hugely beneficial to me as I know some (non-apprentice) students have to travel long distances or move for the duration of their placement, which I would not have been able to do.

Lectures were mainly delivered via online sessions, which was very practical; however, there were several days that required us to be on campus for lectures, simulations, or exams. It was nice to do this as I was able to meet my lecturers and peers, and after discussions with other students, I gained an insight into how other dietetic departments worked. The only downside to this was the travel time and being away from home for a few days.

The online and campus lectures allowed me to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of dietetics, but I found that my skills really developed when I was able to apply this learning at work and on placement. I found that being able to apply the knowledge at work was one of the biggest advantages of undertaking a dietetic apprenticeship vs the traditional route.

In one lecture, we were introduced to nutrition support for decompensated liver disease, and rather than having to wait weeks or months to see a patient with this condition, I was able to see a patient with decompensated liver disease the next day at work, whilst shadowing a registered dietitian. Being able to discuss dietetic scenarios and learnings with my colleagues also helped to further develop my understanding; I was able to discuss complex conditions and ethical considerations associated with dietetics, amongst many other topics, that may not normally arise until you are a qualified dietitian.

Employers who provide the apprenticeship can benefit from government funding to help with the course fees, but there are also a number of other advantages of offering this training route. Being offered this apprenticeship made me feel really valued by my employer, and whilst I enjoyed working in my trust prior to this, it has reinforced my commitment to the team. Providing staff with great opportunities such as this is likely to improve staff retention whilst attracting new employees. It is also a practical way of developing the workforce and improving productivity, as the apprentice is going to be very familiar with both the clinical environment and the team, so likely able to start working as a qualified dietitian efficiently.

Whilst I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to undertake the dietetic apprenticeship, there were lots of challenges throughout the two years. As I was working in a busy dietetic department with very experienced and knowledgeable dietitians, once I started my apprenticeship, it was difficult not to compare myself with them. I felt deflated when I was not able to independently solve the problems they were able to, for example. I also felt a lot of (self-induced!) pressure to constantly ‘prove myself’ at work, and I tried to take every opportunity to learn, which was quite emotionally and mentally tiring at times.

Another challenge that I had not predicted was how the amount of time spent studying, time away from home for campus days, and increased working hours would affect my home life and well-being. Without a doubt, this apprenticeship is an intense learning journey, and there were times when I had to miss important dates, such as my daughter's first week at school, juggle childcare, and study before everyone woke up, and after everyone had gone to bed. I would encourage anyone thinking of undertaking this apprenticeship to be ready for an intense few years, but to also look after themselves! Eating well, daily movement, and chatting about concerns with colleagues and family definitely helped me to keep on track.