This report explores the potential for degree apprenticeships to support more inclusive and sustainable career pathways in health services research (HSR). It considers whether existing apprenticeship models, such as the Level 6 Applied Social Research (Social Researcher) Degree Apprenticeship, can be used to widen access and create a more diverse research workforce with the skills needed to meet future challenges in health and care.
The report brings together insights from desk research and an academic roundtable involving stakeholders from academia, policy and practice. It highlights both the opportunities and limitations of current apprenticeship frameworks and explores practical changes that could help align these programmes more closely with the needs of health services research workforce development.
We are grateful to the Health Foundation for funding this work, and to all those who contributed insights and expertise.
Key messages of the report include:
Degree apprenticeships have the potential to widen access to Health Services Research careers
Apprenticeships offer an “earn while you learn” route that could help diversify the HSR workforce by reducing financial and structural barriers, especially for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
The existing Applied Social Research degree apprenticeship partially aligns with entry-level Health Services Research roles
Apprentices gain strong general research skills, but gaps remain in specific HSR knowledge, limiting their immediate readiness for HSR academic positions without further training.
Employer engagement and structural change are essential
Successful implementation in HSR relies on securing committed employers (especially universities and NHS bodies) who can offer multi-year placements, inclusive recruitment and supervisory capacity.
Creating an HSR-specific apprenticeship standard requires further exploration
Employer appetite and sector-wide support need to be better understood. Given current policy priorities to streamline existing standards, embedding HSR content into current programmes or developing “top-up” options may be a more practical next step than developing a brand-new apprenticeship standard.
Download the full report here.
Authors: Jenny Wheeldon, Research and Engagement Officer, HSR UK & Cat Chatfield, Director HSR UK