Midwifery Apprenticeships

Can I do an apprenticeship in midwifery?

Absolutely. Midwifery apprenticeships are available at degree level, giving you the same qualifications as the traditional university route (with a pay cheque). You’ll also earn your degree for free as your employer covers the tuition fee. Zero student debt.

As a degree apprentice, you’ll split your time between studying and gaining hands-on experience in birth centres, labour suites and antenatal wards. You'll study topics like genetics and genomics of pregnancy, the female reproductive system, pharmacology, and pathology.

Some of your tasks will include:

• Conducting routine antenatal appointments

• Monitoring fetal heartbeats

• Assisting with labour and delivery

• Providing postnatal care

• Supporting families with breastfeeding and newborn care

• Helping with family planning consultations

• Handling minor pregnancy-related health concerns.

What qualifications do I need to train as a midwife?

To start your midwifery apprenticeship, you'll need two A Levels with one being a science subject; biology is ideal. If you want to take another science, chemistry, psychology, or sociology are good options as well.

You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old by the time you start a degree apprenticeship. 

Don’t have A Levels? An Access to Higher Education Diploma in midwifery prepares you for degree-level study. This level 3 qualification is designed to prepare you for a degree in midwifery and will give you the foundation you need for your next step.

Many colleges offer these courses, but you can also do them online if you want to study at your own pace.

How long does it take to become a midwife?

A degree apprenticeship in midwifery usually takes four years to complete. If you need to do an Access to HE course, it can be done in a year.

Once you finish your course, you'll register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and complete background and health checks. Then you're ready to start your career as a qualified midwife.

Want to know what a midwifery apprenticeship (degree) is really like? Check out this video.

Can I be a midwife with no GCSEs?

You’ll typically need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English, maths and science.

But don’t worry. If you don’t have these, you can take a Functional Skills course in maths and English. This will give you the right qualifications to sit your A-Levels and apply for a midwifery apprenticeship degree. You’ll also need science qualifications such as a Level 2 BTEC in Applied Science.

What skills does a midwife need?

Midwifery is way more than earning a degree. It’s about creating loving, nurturing relationships with expectant mums and making them feel safe throughout their pregnancies. This takes skill. 

Many will be having a child for the very first time, so will need lots of support as they navigate the challenges of early parenthood.

Here are some skills you’ll need:

• Empathy. You’ll meet women going through some difficult situations, so you must be able to build strong, trusting relationships

• Staying calm under pressure. During labour and delivery, you might need to make important decisions. So will need to remain calm in difficult situations

• Equal treatment. All women deserve to be treated equally, no matter what their background

• Teamwork. You'll work closely with doctors, nurses, and obstetricians, so clear communication is super important

• Problem-solving. Knowing how to respond, resolve or ask for help when complications arise during delivery

• Physical strength. Labour can take hours, sometimes even days, and you’ll be on your feet for a long time to help move patients in various positions and provide comfort.

How much do midwife apprentices earn?

As an apprentice, you’ll earn between £23,000 and £28,000 per year. This will usually rise per year until you reach band 5 with the NHS.

There’s so much potential to earn more as you gain experience in your career. Let’s break it down:

Once you’re newly qualified, you’ll earn around £28,000 per year, and if you progress to consultant midwife levels, you could earn over £80,000 per year.

You'll also receive extra pay for nights and weekends: 30% extra for night shifts and Saturdays, and 60% extra for Sundays and bank holidays.

How to apply for a midwifery degree apprenticeship

You’ll apply directly to NHS trusts and healthcare providers who offer midwifery apprenticeships. Applications will usually open in September, but some trusts have multiple intake dates, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on dates.

The application process is pretty simple, too! You’ll fill in an online application including a personal statement, complete an online assessment that might include situational judgement, numeracy and literacy questions. You’ll then attend an interview and pass any health and DBS checks (which are standard when working in healthcare).

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