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Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship
The Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship (MDDA) was developed by NHS England with key partners to explore new pathways into medicine which also addressed local workforce challenges. It aimed to provide NHS organisations an innovative way to grow their future medical workforce by recruiting from diverse talent pools within local communities.
Programme background and implementation
In July 2022, the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship standard received approval from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and the Department for Education. Funding was subsequently secured for the first pilot cohort of apprentices, with apprentices starting the programme in September 2024.
The MDDA was a key focus of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP) and supported by Health Education England (now part of NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education Directorate). Employers and medical schools collaborated with us to establish the programme and agree on its delivery model
Government review and programme conclusion
NHS England remains committed to supporting the two MDDA pilot cohorts to support the individuals committed to the programme and ensure information is learned from the programme that can inform future policy. However, a decision has been made not to expand NHS England’s MDDA funding further than the 2 pilot cohorts in 2024 and 2025.
This decision aligns with a decision of the review of the Level 7 apprenticeship levy by Skills England, commissioned by the government, which explores how vocational funding is allocated in the future.
NHS England is working closely with pilot partners and the DHSC, to ensure the pilot continues to run smoothly until the individuals complete the programme. Information is being gathered to understand the impact of the programme and the significant investment made.
What this means for the MDDA programme
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Support for current apprentices:
Apprentices already enrolled will continue to receive funding and support until they complete their studies, ensuring continuity in their education and employment. They will not be impacted by this change in decision.
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2025 pilot cohort commitment:
NHS England employer support funding will remain in place for apprentices in the 2025 cohort, reflecting commitments already made. This will be the final cohort supported by NHS England under the MDDA pilot funding model.
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End of new recruitment beyond 2025:
Further funding will not be made available by NHS England for new recruits beyond the 2025 cohort.
Recognising achievements and looking ahead
While NHS England is not investing in the MDDA programme beyond the pilot cohorts, it has fostered strong partnerships between NHS employers and Higher Education Institutes, which will be pivotal for future initiatives. This was the first medical apprenticeship programme, and the collaborative foundation has set the stage for continuing efforts to increase diversity and widening access to medical careers.
Next Steps
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Future planning: A refreshed NHS LTWP is coming in 2025. We will work with partners including, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education and the university sector to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to study medicine - regardless of their background.
Further information and resources
The lessons learned from this pilot programme will inform future strategies, ensuring continued progress in diversifying the NHS workforce and creating pathways to opportunities in medicine.