A midwifery apprenticeship is a paid job where you train become a midwife while gain experience in maternity services. Your apprenticeship job is integrated with a Level 6 degree in Midwifery.
On completion of your apprenticeship, you can apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to register as a midwife. Midwifery is a protected function and title, so registration matters.
What is a midwifery apprenticeship?
A midwifery apprenticeship is a paid career path where you train while working in maternity services. In England this is a Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship for midwifery. When you complete the apprenticeship programme, you can apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register as a midwife. Midwifery is a regulated profession. You must be registered to use the protected title “midwife”.
Midwifery degree apprenticeship vs university route (which suits you)
A midwifery apprenticeship is a work based route. You are employed while you train. This route often suits you if you want to earn while you learn and you can manage work and study together.
A university route is usually full time study with placements. You apply to a university and then qualify. Both routes must meet NMC standards so you can apply for registration.
A simple way to choose
Choose an apprenticeship if you want employment and you can cope with work based training and a tight timetable.
Choose a university route if you need a student structure and you can manage placements without being employed on a contract.
Both routes are demanding. Both require shift work in placements.
What midwifery apprentices do day to day
What you do day to day depends on your stage of training and your placement area. You learn to support women and birthing people during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. You work in a team and you are supervised. Your responsibility increases as you progress.
Typical day to day tasks can include:
- Supporting antenatal clinics and routine appointments.
- Supporting care during labour and birth, under supervision.
- Supporting postnatal care, including feeding support and basic observations.
- Recording information clearly and safely.
- Communicating with families and the wider maternity team.
Worked example: a simple clinic support task
You greet a woman at an appointment.
You check identity details.
You support basic observations under supervision.
You update records as instructed.
You raise concerns quickly if something does not look right.
Where you work (NHS trusts, maternity units, community)
Most midwifery apprentices are employed by an NHS trust. You train across different maternity settings. You may work in maternity wards and labour wards, antenatal clinics, postnatal wards, and community midwifery services.
Your rota can change between placements. You may travel between sites.
What the job is really like (shifts, responsibility, emotional load)
Midwifery is responsible work. You support people through major life events. You also manage risk and act quickly when concerns arise. You will work shifts, including nights and weekends. Many programmes describe full time patterns linked to NHS services.
Realistic parts of the job:
- You will see distress and anxiety as well as joy.
- You will have busy days and competing priorities.
- You will need to stay calm during urgent situations.
- You will need to follow rules and record accurately.
- You will need to accept feedback and supervision.
Common surprises for new starters:
- How tiring shift patterns can be.
- How much communication is needed.
- How quickly situations can change.
- How important documentation is for safety.
The title “midwife” is protected
Only people recorded on the NMC register as midwives can use the protected title “midwife”. This matters because it is about patient safety and professional accountability.
Work and study happen together
A midwifery degree apprenticeship combines employment with degree level study. This can feel like having two full time demands at once. Time management is not optional.
Common failure points in the first year
- Falling behind on academic work.
- Poor sleep management with shifts.
- Not asking for help early.
- Struggling with feedback.
- Underestimating the emotional load.
Signs the route may not suit you right now
- You cannot manage shift work and recovery time.
- You struggle to stay calm with urgent change.
- You find it hard to handle distress and grief.
- You do not want a role with high responsibility.
This does not mean you can never do it. It may mean you need a different starting role or more preparation.
FAQs
What is a midwifery apprenticeship?
A midwifery apprenticeship is a paid route where you train for a Level 6 integrated degree while working in maternity services. When you complete the programme, you can apply to join the NMC register as a midwife. Midwifery is regulated, so registration matters.
Is a midwifery apprenticeship the same as a midwife degree apprenticeship?
Yes. In England, the apprenticeship route is commonly described as a midwifery degree apprenticeship because it is an integrated degree at Level 6.
Do midwifery apprentices work shifts?
Yes, most do. Maternity services run 24 hours a day. You should expect nights and weekends.
Where do midwifery apprentices work?
Most are employed by an NHS trust and rotate through maternity settings. This can include hospital maternity units and community services.
Do you have to be registered to be a midwife?
Yes. Only people on the NMC register can use the protected title “midwife”.
Is midwifery emotionally hard?
It can be. You support people through high emotion and sometimes trauma. You also work under time pressure and responsibility. Many people find it manageable with support, supervision, and good rest habits.
Entry requirements for a midwifery apprenticeship
Entry requirements vary by employer and university provider. The apprenticeship standard says entry is set locally by employers, and apprentices also need to meet the entry requirements for the Level 6 degree set by the university.
To start an apprenticeship in England, you normally need to be 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.
Employers usually look for evidence that you can:
- work safely with high responsibility
- communicate calmly with people who are anxious or in pain
- follow rules and record accurately
- cope with shift work and busy clinical settings
GCSEs and Functional Skills English and maths
English and maths requirements depend on the employer, the university, and the programme rules. Many employers ask for GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, or an accepted equivalent. If you do not have GCSEs, Functional Skills Level 2 can be accepted for some routes, but it depends on the programme. Do not assume. Check the vacancy and ask the training provider early.
Experience needed and applying as a support worker or career changer
You do not need to be a graduate. Many applicants come from care and support roles. Some employers also recruit career changers. What matters is evidence you understand the reality of the work and can cope with clinical responsibility.
Experience that often helps:
- maternity support work or healthcare support work
- care work with personal care and safeguarding
- customer facing work where you handled distress and conflict
- roles where you followed strict procedures and recorded accurately
If you are a support worker, focus on safe practice and escalation, confidentiality, teamwork in a clinical environment, and examples where you stayed calm under pressure.
Checks and suitability (health, DBS, occupational health)
You should expect checks before you start. Midwifery involves close work with patients in healthcare settings, so employers usually require identity and right to work checks, references and work history checks, occupational health clearance, and a DBS check at the level required for the role.
Midwifery apprenticeship near me (how to find roles)
Use the national apprenticeship search to look by postcode and apply. Also check NHS Trust careers pages and NHS Jobs for “midwife degree apprenticeship” and “midwifery apprenticeship”. Using filters and alerts is important.
A simple “near me” method:
- search by postcode with a small radius
- save searches and create alerts
- widen the radius if results are limited
- search both “midwife degree apprenticeship” and “midwifery apprenticeship”
How the application and selection process usually works
The exact process varies, but most employers follow a similar pattern:
1) application form and supporting statement
2) shortlisting
3) interview
4) pre-employment checks
5) start date and induction
Interview and assessment often focus on understanding the role and its pressures, communication and empathy, decision making and escalation, teamwork and professionalism, and managing shift work and study at the same time.
FAQs
What qualifications do I need for a midwifery apprenticeship?
It depends on the employer and the university. Entry is set locally by employers, and you must also meet the Level 6 degree entry requirements set by the university. Many roles ask for English and maths at a good level, often GCSE grade 4 or equivalent, but you must follow the vacancy and provider rules.
Can I apply for a midwifery apprenticeship as an adult career changer?
Yes. Many employers recruit adults as well as younger applicants. What matters is that you meet the entry requirements, can cope with shift work, and can show evidence you understand the role and can work safely in a clinical setting. You still must meet the Level 6 degree entry rules.
Do I need GCSEs for a midwifery apprenticeship?
Often, but not always in the same way. Employers and universities set requirements. Some will accept equivalents. You must meet the Level 6 degree entry requirements set by the university provider, so check the vacancy and confirm early.
How old do you have to be to start a midwifery apprenticeship?
In England, you normally need to be 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education to start an apprenticeship. You can apply while still at school, but you must be old enough by the time you start.
Do midwifery apprentices need DBS and occupational health checks?
Usually yes. Midwifery is a healthcare role with close patient contact. Employers normally carry out safer recruitment checks, including DBS and occupational health clearance, before you start. The exact checks depend on the employer and role.
How do I find a midwifery apprenticeship near me?
Use the national apprenticeship search to look by postcode, and also search NHS Jobs and local NHS Trust careers pages. Filters and alerts help you spot the right vacancies quickly.
Midwifery apprenticeship pay (what you can expect)
Midwifery apprentices are usually employed by an NHS trust. Many are paid using NHS Agenda for Change pay bands. The pay level and contract details vary by employer, so the vacancy and contract are your first pay anchor.
Even when you are studying, you are an employee. You should be paid for your contracted working hours. Training that is part of the apprenticeship is also paid time.
Apprentice pay rules and what applies in employed NHS roles
The National Minimum Wage apprentice rate is the legal floor. In practice, NHS apprenticeship roles often pay above the apprentice minimum wage because they use Agenda for Change bands. NHS Employers publishes the 2025/26 pay scales, including annual and hourly rates.
If your role is on Agenda for Change, you should check:
- the band and pay point
- your weekly hours
- whether you get unsocial hours payments
- whether you are in a Higher Cost Area (London) supplement zone
Typical pay patterns (hours, shifts, placements, training time)
Many midwifery apprentices work full time patterns linked to maternity services. This often includes nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Two pay patterns commonly affect what you take home:
- Hours per week
A 37.5 hour contract usually pays more than a 30 hour contract. - Shift patterns
Unsocial hours payments can increase take home pay in some roles. The details depend on the contract and role.
Training time should not reduce your pay. Apprentices must be paid for training and study time that is part of the apprenticeship.
Worked pay examples (weekly and monthly planning)
These examples use gross pay. Gross pay is before tax and deductions.
Example 1: NHS Band 4 entry rate, 37.5 hours per week
NHS Employers lists Band 4 entry at £27,485 a year and £14.06 an hour for 2025/26.
- Weekly gross: 37.5 × 14.06 = £527.25
- Monthly average gross: 527.25 × 52 ÷ 12 = £2,284.75
Example 2: NHS Band 4 entry rate, 30 hours per week
Using the same Band 4 hourly rate:
- Weekly gross: 30 × 14.06 = £421.80
- Monthly average gross: 421.80 × 52 ÷ 12 = £1,827.80
Example 3: apprentice minimum wage check (legal floor)
If someone was paid the apprentice rate at 37.5 hours:
- Weekly gross at £8.00: 37.5 × 8.00 = £300.00
- Monthly average gross: 300.00 × 52 ÷ 12 = £1,300.00
This example is a comparison point. Many NHS roles pay more than this because of Agenda for Change bands.
Pay after qualifying (newly qualified midwife and beyond)
After you qualify and join the NMC register, you move into a registered midwife role. Many NHS midwife vacancies are advertised as Band 5. NHS Employers lists Band 5 pay in 2025/26 as £31,049 to £37,796 a year.
Do not assume the pay change happens automatically on completion day. Ask what role you move into after qualification, what band you start on, and what date the new pay starts.
FAQs
How much does a midwifery apprentice get paid?
It depends on the employer and contract. Many midwifery apprentices are employed by NHS trusts and paid using Agenda for Change bands. The apprentice minimum wage rate is the legal floor, but many NHS roles pay above it.
Do midwifery apprentices get paid for training days and study time?
Yes. Apprentices must be paid for training and study time that is part of the apprenticeship. This is paid working time, not unpaid time.
Can midwifery apprenticeship pay include nights and weekends?
Many midwifery apprentices work shifts linked to maternity services, including nights and weekends. Pay can be affected by unsocial hours rules, depending on the contract.
What pay band are newly qualified midwives usually on in the NHS?
Many NHS vacancies for midwives are advertised at Band 5. NHS Employers lists Band 5 pay ranges for 2025/26.
How can I check if an offer is good?
Check the band, hours per week, and any shift expectations. Convert the annual figure into a monthly figure and compare it to your costs. Then confirm how pay changes after you qualify and register.
What qualification you get (Level 6 integrated degree)
The midwifery apprenticeship is a Level 6 integrated degree route. This means you work and study at the same time. When you complete, you have the qualification you need to apply for professional registration.
How long it takes (typical duration and what affects it)
The training course listing shows a course duration of 48 months. That is around four years.
Some people take longer. This can happen if you have time off work, you need more time to meet clinical or academic requirements, or your employer and provider delay gateway until you are ready.
End-point assessment (EPA) and what you have to pass
EPA is the final stage of the apprenticeship. You only go to EPA when your employer and provider agree you are ready. This point is called gateway. For many degree apprenticeships, the degree and EPA are completed and awarded together.
EPA rules and details can vary by standard and version. The assessment plan for new starters can also change over time.
NMC registration and protected title rules (why it matters)
Midwifery is regulated. The title “midwife” is protected in law. Only people on the NMC register as holding a qualification in midwifery may use the title “midwife”.
Midwifery is also a protected function. The Regulated Professions Register explains it is a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered midwife, or a registered medical practitioner, to attend a woman in childbirth, with limited exceptions such as emergencies or training as a student.
Progression after qualifying (roles and next steps)
After you qualify and join the NMC register, you start work as a registered midwife. Many midwives work for the NHS and work across community and hospital settings.
Over time, progression can include building experience in different maternity areas, taking on more complex caseloads, moving into specialist areas, and moving into leadership and education roles. What is available depends on the trust and local services.
FAQs (midwifery apprenticeship questions people actually ask)
What qualification do you get from a midwifery apprenticeship?
You train on a Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship. This is equal to a degree. When you complete the programme, you have the qualification route needed to apply for professional registration as a midwife. Your exact award and pathway depend on the employer and university provider.
How long is a midwifery apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship training course listing shows a course duration of 48 months. Some people take longer if they need more time to meet requirements or if they have time off work. Your employer and provider decide when you are ready for gateway and the final stage.
What is EPA in a midwifery apprenticeship?
EPA is end-point assessment. It is the final stage of the apprenticeship. You only start EPA when your employer and provider agree you are ready at gateway. For many degree apprenticeships, the degree and EPA are completed and awarded together.
Do I have to register with the NMC to be a midwife?
Yes. The title “midwife” is protected in law. Only people on the NMC register as holding a qualification in midwifery may use the title. It is an offence to practise as a midwife while not registered or to use the title when not entitled to do so.
Is midwifery a protected profession in the UK?
Yes. Midwifery is a protected function in the UK. The Regulated Professions Register explains it is a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered midwife, or a registered medical practitioner, to attend a woman in childbirth, with limited exceptions such as emergencies or training as a student.
Can the EPA rules change while I am training?
Sometimes. Apprenticeship standards and assessment plans can be revised. Your provider will tell you which version applies to your start date.