Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships

Transforming apprenticeships in health and social care

A photo of three students wheeling a hospital bed in the University simulation ward

Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships (CEHA)

The East of England Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships (CEHA) is an innovative partnership between the University of Suffolk, FE providers in East Anglia, and NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICB) aimed to revolutionize the delivery of apprenticeships in the fields of health and social care careers.

The partnership will offer apprenticeship pathway progression routes from levels 2 through to 7, the equivalent of GCSE levels through to a Master’s degree, establishing the Centre of Excellence as a comprehensive destination for learners in the region.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Available to individuals of all ages, apprenticeships offer an ‘earn while you learn’ approach though a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training in a professional setting, whilst also providing opportunities for upskilling and retraining existing workers.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan has indicated a shortfall of up to 360,000 staff nationally by 2036 without immediate action. The Centre of Excellence will play an important role in addressing the workforce challenges in the health and social care sector, with apprenticeships identified as a key driver in recruiting and retaining staff. The partnership aims to raise the profile and prosperity of health careers providing a clearer progression pathway for learners, providers and employers.

Nursing associate, adult and mental health nursing apprenticeships are currently provided by partners, with more in development to reach a diverse range of career paths.

Innovative Partnership | Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships

The University of Suffolk boasts state-of-the-art facilities delivering clinical simulation which include two simulated hospital wards, a midwifery birthing unit, recently upgraded physiotherapy instructional areas, a modern sports and exercise centre, and a fully operational radiography imaging suite. With these cutting-edge amenities housed in the Health and Wellbeing Quarter building following a £13m investment. students gain a hands-on learning experience in a range of healthcare settings.

As one of the fastest growing Higher Education institutions in the country, the University of Suffolk has a strong emphasis on healthcare provisions, achieving a level 2 ‘Good’ Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (OfSTED) rating at our waterfront campus in Ipswich. With over 1,200 students enrolled in health-based courses, we offer an ideal environment to collaborate as part of The East of England Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships.

Our Partners

Study in Suffolk

The University of Suffolk offers an extensive range of health and social care focused learning, from apprenticeships, undergraduate and post graduate studies to training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses.

Find out more about our Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health and Allied Health Sciences courses.

Health and social care news

Community, Health, Apprenticeships

Mum and Daughter Apprentices Shine a Spotlight on Nursing Associate Careers
A mum and daughter from Ipswich who are studying the same apprenticeship together at the University of Suffolk are helping educate patients about the vital role Nursing Associates play in the health sector.
Health, Opinion

Opinion: How our apprenticeships are delivering the future NHS and care workforce
As National Apprenticeship Week celebrates vocational education across the country, Mandi Syrett explains how the University of Suffolk is part of an innovative partnership that will bolster health careers in East Anglia.
Community, Health

MPs preview new dental facilities
Three of the county’s MPs have visited the new state-of-the-art dental facilities being developed at the University of Suffolk.
Community, Health, Apprenticeships

Innovative Partnership Launched to Boost Health and Social Care Apprenticeships
An innovative new partnership is being launched by education providers and health boards in East Anglia which will transform apprenticeship provision to boost health and social care careers.