The T Level is part of a wider effort to strengthen the region’s health and care workforce.
Developed in collaboration with NHS Greater Manchester, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA), Oldham College, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), this initiative forms part of a broader T Level Placement programme aimed at expanding access across the city-region.
The NCA is the first in Greater Manchester to host midwifery cadets at The Royal Oldham Hospital while they continue their studies at Oldham College.
Currently, five students are working alongside NHS maternity teams, gaining insight into midwifery.
Supporting the next generation
With rising demand on local services and tighter international recruitment rules, the NHS is focusing on growing local talent to fill vital roles. T Levels offer a clear, practical route into healthcare careers, connecting young people with real-world opportunities.
Students training in trades like plumbing and electrical installation are also taking on placements in NHS settings, highlighting the broad range of essential roles that support the health service.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and co-chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, said:
“By opening up midwifery placements for T Level students, we’re giving young people a clear line of sight into NHS careers and helping the health service to fill essential roles. This is Greater Manchester doing things differently: backing technical education, backing our young people, and backing the future of our health and care system.”
Sue Howard, head of workforce development at NHS Greater Manchester, added:
“We are thrilled that learners now have the chance to access maternity placements at college level for the very first time in Greater Manchester. This marks an important milestone in providing young people with hands-on experience, helping them build confidence and practical skills. It’s an exciting step towards growing a stronger, more resilient NHS workforce that can meet the needs of our communities now and in the future.”
A new route into midwifery
While some colleges nationally offer T Level midwifery placements, Greater Manchester is building its own approach shaped by local partnerships and both regional growth and workforce priorities.
Backed by investment from Gatsby and matched funding from NHS Greater Manchester and the GMCA, the initiative aims to meet growing demand for placements. Over 400 students are currently enrolled in health and science T Levels locally, with numbers expected to exceed 500 next year.
T Levels combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience and provide a high-quality alternative to A-levels. They support progression to university, apprenticeships or direct employment.
Jenifer Burden MBE, director of programmes at Gatsby, said:
“We are very pleased to support this programme which offers young people practical, meaningful experience in healthcare. Collaborations like this, between local education providers and employers are crucial in both increasing the number of high-quality T Level industry placements for students and helping to address workforce shortages in vital areas such as midwifery.”
Building skills, confidence and opportunity
These students are the first in Greater Manchester to benefit from early experience in maternity care. More will follow when Oldham College launches its full Midwifery T Level Pathway in September.
Jane MacDonald, NCA director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals education, said:
“We are incredibly proud to support T Level midwifery placements. This collaborative partnership is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of midwives and provide students with real-world experience in a supportive environment. It is vital that we invest in programmes like this for developing future talent which will help us to build a strong and passionate workforce.”
Student Ifeoluwa Adesanya, added:
“Being part of the first group to take on midwifery placements in Greater Manchester has been such a valuable experience. It’s given me real insight into the job and the skills I’ll need to succeed in the NHS. I feel more confident about my future and excited to continue my journey in midwifery.”
Expanding health and care training in Greater Manchester
This work supports the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), a major regional initiative to offer technical education as a credible, equal alternative to university. Health and social care is a key growth sector for the MBacc, and this programme helps connect schools, colleges, and NHS careers.
Greater Manchester’s model offers a blueprint for other areas demonstrating how strong partnerships and investment in technical training can meet workforce needs.
More NHS trusts, colleges, and employers are encouraged to get involved:
Contact: gm.workforce@nhs.net
Students: visit the GMAs website
