HEIW supports fantastic training opportunities for future nurses and midwives

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is thrilled to support The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales Healthcare Connect programme. This initiative aligns with HEIW’s strategic priority to provide excellent education and training, offering valuable learning opportunities and hands-on experience in healthcare to those who may otherwise miss out.

The six-month training programme is for aspiring nurses and midwives who don’t yet have the grades to start a degree or who want to gain confidence and experience before beginning formal studies.

Skills/knowledge gained from the programme include:

• Health promotion principals
• Promote person centred approaches
• Working within multidisciplinary (secondary/primary and community) teams – depending on location of employment
• Principals of safeguarding
• Communication in healthcare settings
• Infection prevention and control
• Reflective practice

Recognised by RCN Wales, the programme aims to increase the number of people entering nursing and midwifery by supporting education pathways and widening access. The programme offers an opportunity for candidates to earn as they learn whilst continuing their pathway to nursing or midwifery. This, in turn, will help address the workforce shortage in nursing by providing another route into the profession for those who might otherwise be lost and ultimately increasing the number of qualified nurses and midwives in NHS Wales.

A candidate who has recently completed the programme said:

 “I absolutely loved the Access Course, but circumstances meant it was difficult for me to jump straight onto the three-year full-time nursing degree.

Healthcare Connect gave me an opportunity to learn practical healthcare skills.

Healthcare Connect is not just a job, and it is not just about more academic learning. It is a supportive programme to help you achieve your goal of becoming a qualified nurse.”

The programme is delivered in partnership with further education colleges, health boards, and universities, including:

• Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
• Bangor University
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• Cardiff and Vale College
• Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
• Coleg Gwent
• Coleg y Cymoedd
• Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board
• Group Llandrillo Menai (GLlM)
• Merthyr College 
• University of South Wales
• Wrexham University

For more information or to enquire about starting in September 2025, please contact one of the named colleges or email HEIW directly.