Latest news with #KatieElliott
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How to become a nurse and how long does it take
Becoming a nurse in the UK requires dedication and a real passion for helping others. For many, it is a vocation as much as a job. Due to the nursing shortage, thousands of new recruits are required each year in order to maintain patient care standards. Right now, there are more than 34,000 nursing vacancies in the NHS across the UK, while figures from the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) show that applications to study nursing have dropped by a third since 2021. The Government has pledged to ensure that nursing remains an attractive career choice. Katie Elliott, an HR consultant, said: 'The NHS and private sector are crying out for experienced professionals, which means strong job security and great opportunities for career progression for those entering the field now.' Encouragingly, as there are now a few different routes into nursing, you should be able to find a way that works for you. For instance, Hayley Merrick was a registered nurse for 12 years before re-training as a coach. She now focuses on supporting nurses with their confidence and career skills. She said: 'The most common route to becoming a nurse is to complete a degree. However there are also nurse apprenticeship degrees – a paid route through the training – as well as the option to train as a nursing associate. 'You can even train as a nurse in the Armed Forces by joining as a student nurse and completing a relevant degree.' Here, Telegraph Money takes a closer look at what is involved in becoming a nurse, the qualifications needed and how much you can expect to earn: What is it like being a nurse? How to become a nurse What qualifications do you need? How long does it take? Entry requirements for a nursing degree Training programmes Career prospects Salary expectations in nursing What is it like being a nurse? Working as a nurse takes patience, grit and dedication. It is a dynamic and demanding profession. It is also highly skilled. As a nurse, you have a vital role to play in looking after patients, so you must be caring and compassionate, empathetic and a good listener. You'll also need to be practical and have good judgement. As you will often find yourself working alongside other health professionals, you must be comfortable working as part of a team. Ms Elliott said: 'Skills-wise, nursing is much more than a job. You do need great clinical knowledge, But the real magic is in the softer skills, such as compassion, clear communication and the ability to stay calm under pressure.' The four main areas you could end up working in are child, adult, mental health or learning disability nursing. Victoria Sweetmore, head of discipline of mental health and learning disability nursing, at the University of Derby, said: 'Nursing is a versatile and highly skilled profession. Each of the four fields plays a vital role in providing care and support to individuals, their families and carers, across the lifespan, often at their most vulnerable moments.' NHS roles are very varied, and could range from being based in a neonatal unit or an intensive care unit – to working in a local GP surgery. As well as working in the NHS, nurses can also work in the private sector. Roles in this sector might include working in a private hospital, doctor's surgery or cosmetic surgery clinic. Jenny O'Brien has worked in the nursing profession for 43 years – both in the public and private sector– before retiring earlier this year. She said: 'Being a nurse is exhilarating, challenging, draining, rewarding, exhausting and inspiring – and so much more. Some days I'd come home elated after the most amazing shift. Others, I'd sit on the sofa, staring into space, thinking about all the things I wasn't able to do. Time and financial constraints were only a part of that. Nurses do what they can. They give as much as they can.' How to become a nurse Education: The first step towards becoming a nurse is getting some solid GCSEs and A-levels – five GCSE, with grades 9-4, and two or three A-levels, including biology. Higher education: The main route into nursing still involves studying for a nursing degree. This combines a high level of practical hands-on experience with academic study. Expect a programme which is a mix of clinical practice involving direct contact with patients and families. Placements: Be prepared to work as a student nurse in placements at local clinics, hospitals and other medical settings. Ms Sweetmore says : 'The three-year BSc (Hons) Nursing degree blends 50pc of time in academic learning with 5pc of time in practical placements.' Register: Before being able to apply for a nursing job, you will need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a 'qualified nurse'. This is the case irrespective of whether you choose to work in public or private practice. Apply: Having registered, you can then apply for jobs through the NHS website. Nursing is a degree with a very high employment rate, with a high percentage of students landing jobs within months of completing their course. What qualifications do you need? All nurses working in the UK must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Before registration, you must have successfully completed a programme of education approved by the NMC. This involves you training at an approved educational institution (AEI). You also need to meet the NMC's requirements of good health and good character. Dr Denise Baker, from the University of Derby, said: 'The main route to nursing is via a degree from an approved educational institution. This should be an NMC-recognised programme.' For further qualifications, nurses can develop their skills further through postgraduate nursing courses and specialist apprenticeships. How long does it take? If you follow the traditional route of doing a nursing degree at university, this usually takes three to four years of full-time studying. A part-time degree may take five or six. But there are also entry routes which take into account an individual's previous learning. If you have previous experience in a relevant profession or a graduate degree in a scientific field you may be able to pursue an accelerated degree in around two years. Dr Baker said: 'Degrees are three-years but can be shorter for someone holding a relevant 'first' degree and appropriate work experience.' The alternative to a university degree is a 'nursing degree apprenticeship' programme. Rachel Picton, dean of BPP School of Nursing, said: 'This lasts four years and involves part-time learning and working simultaneously.' Find out more about nursing apprenticeships, here. Further to this, there are 'nursing associate' roles. Ms Picton added: 'These can be taken as a direct entry route into a university – or as an apprenticeship. Typically, these last for two years.' Entry requirements for a nursing degree If you want to take a degree in nursing, you will usually need to have three A-levels – including biology – or equivalent qualifications. Be aware that this may vary from one university to the next, with each setting its own entry criteria. You'll also need GCSEs including biology, English and maths. Training programmes The training programmes to get into nursing are: Nursing degree – this is the traditional degree course. Nursing degree apprenticeships – these are equivalent to a full degree, without the debt. You're essentially training on the job, earning a salary and studying at the same time. And this still leads to registration as a nurse. Nursing associate training – as an associate, you will train for two years and register with the NMC, but will not be trained to the same level as a nurse. Ms Sweetmore said: 'The nursing associate foundation degree (FdSc) is a two-year course leading to registration as a nursing associate, with opportunities to 'top up' to a nursing degree with an additional 18 months of learning.' You can find out more about the various training programmes and the work that work nurses do at NHS Careers. Career prospects As a nurse, you can engage in extra or ongoing training to help you expand your expertise, and potentially to specialise. You might, for example, want to complete a master's degree in nursing which could open up senior roles. Depending on your qualifications, specialisms and career goals, you could – as a trained nurse – work in the public, independent and voluntary sector. Ms Sweetmore says: 'Qualified nurses are in high demand across a wide range of settings: hospitals, community services, GP practices, prisons, the armed forces, and the charity sector. Skills in communication, leadership, clinical decision-making, and resilience are developed to a high level during training and these are also highly transferable skills prized by a multitude of employers.' Nursing, she adds, offers many opportunities for career progression. 'Registered nurses can pursue advanced practice roles such as nurse specialist or nurse consultant,' she said. 'They can move into education, research, or leadership, or undertake further training in areas like prescribing, public health or safeguarding.' Nursing is a career which supports lifelong learning and continued professional development. This is a view shared by Georgina Turner, head nurse at Priory, a provider of mental health and adult social care services. She says: 'Nursing careers are extremely varied. This can range from healthcare and social care, working in hospitals, community settings, charities, schools, the military, in policy writing, with regulators and governing bodies and so much more.' Nurses can, she adds, grow their careers in management, education, quality improvement and assurance, and also safeguarding. Ms Turner added: 'Clinically, nurses are also taking on more roles with tasks traditionally undertaken by medical doctors, such as becoming an 'advanced clinical practitioner' and 'nurse consultant.'' Salary expectations in nursing If you're thinking about a career in nursing, you need to be realistic about your salary expectations, as this career is renowned for not being particularly well-paid. Ms Merrick said: 'NHS pay starts out at 'Band 5,' with opportunities to progress to Bands 6 and 7 as you gain experience – and with further study and specialism.' Nursing salaries are in the headlines right now, with workers saying they are 'underpaid.' The Government has capped public sector pay rises at 2.8pc, but campaigners are calling for a 3pc rise. The average salary for a full-time worker in the UK is £37,430, according to the Office for National Statistics. The Royal College of Nursing has warned that nurses will strike this summer if they are not awarded a 'significant' pay rise soon. Nursing FAQs Can I become a nurse without going to university? Yes, you can become a nurse without going to university. Lianne Ford, head of nursing at Exemplar Health Care, said: 'Some people still think becoming a nurse only happens through university, and that's not true any more. You can get paid to train, build your skills as you go, and still end up in a really skilled, valued role. There are lots of different ways to get started, like apprenticeships and nursing associate roles.' With an apprenticeship, for example, you learn on the job and get registered with the NMC upon successful completion of the programme. Ms Picton said: 'Doing an apprenticeship is a great alternative pathway for those who cannot access the traditional route of pursuing nursing, such as university. Nursing apprenticeships are subject to the same regulations and qualification requirements as a traditional programme.' There is also the option to become a 'nursing associate'. Ms Turner added: 'This is a role that bridges between healthcare assistant (HCA) and registered nurse. It's a role still regulated by the NMC and it allows individuals to carry out some tasks that nurses do but that HCAs don't, such as medication administration – within limits.' Do you get paid to train as a nurse? Right now, there are calls for stronger financial incentives to encourage more people into this profession. There are fears young people are put off by the double whammy of low pay and the high cost of studying. To help meet study costs, eligible student nurses may qualify for a training grant of £5,000 per year under the NHS Learning Support Fund grant, non-repayable financial help for students in England. There may be extra payments if you study certain specialisms. Dr Baker said: 'Students are eligible to apply for the Learning Support Fund which is a non-means tested financial award.' Equally, if you decide to go down the apprenticeship route, the good news is, you get paid while you train. Ms Picton said: 'A key benefit of doing a nursing apprenticeship is being able to earn while you learn, while not needing to pay any training fees. Apprenticeships have a more hands-on approach to training, where learners will be working in the field from the very first day of the programme, and will be paid for their work throughout the programme.' Check out Find an Apprenticeship for more information. What A-levels do I need to be a nurse? Some nursing courses will specify A-levels such as biology. A social science, such as psychology, may also be required. Ms Merrick said: 'The qualifications required are set by the university. But in general, you'll need five GCSEs (grades 9-4), including English, maths and science. In addition, you'll need two or three A-levels including biology or another science.' Alternative routes such as Access to Nursing courses, BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care or International Baccalaureates may be acceptable. However, you'll need to check with the university you plan to apply to.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The five highest-paying jobs with no experience required
The job market is entering a tricky era. Uncertainty about the future, higher employer National Insurance contributions and increased wage bills mean many firms are either cutting back on staff, or at least pausing plans to expand their workforce. This is difficult enough for skilled workers with experience, but for anyone who's just starting out – or perhaps those who want to make a career swap – it may seem as though there are very few options, and all of them low-paid. However, that's not necessarily the case. James Neave, head of data science at job-matching platform Adzuna, said: 'There's a surprising number of roles out there that don't require a degree, apprenticeship or prior experience. Some, such as executive assistant, audit assistant – and even door installer – are paying more than £40,000. 'Many of these roles offer on-the-job training, giving you a chance to explore your interests and strengths before committing to a long-term career.' Good grades, it seems, no longer define your future. At the same time, we are seeing a shift from experience-based hiring to skills-based hiring – giving workers the chance to consider a range of roles they may not have previously thought about. Katie Elliott, an HR consultant, said: 'You don't need a long CV to land a decent salary, but you do need to show you're someone who will turn up, learn fast and crack on. Common sense and a great attitude will open more doors than a lengthy 'history of all my jobs ever' will.' Here, Telegraph Money reveals some of the lucrative careers that don't require experience, qualifications or training. The five highest-paying 'no experience' jobs The table below shows the list of jobs that pay more than the average UK salary of £37,500, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) – and don't require any specific qualifications or training. Using data from Adzuna, this list was compiled from the number of advertised job ads in April specifically mentioning 'no experience required', and then by ranking those roles by average advertised salary. By 'no experience', Adzuna means roles that don't require any prior relevant working experience. As such, all the roles listed don't require a formal qualification, such as a degree, certification or apprenticeship. That said, Adzuna points out that employers may still expect certain basic skills. For example, audit assistant roles may call for proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong attention to detail, while all driver roles will require a valid UK licence. Executive assistant As the name suggests, these roles involve being an assistant to an executive – you'll need to be highly organised, as common tasks include scheduling meetings, preparing reports, sorting their logistics and handling communications. In simpler terms, you may find yourself having to book travel and hotels for business meetings, taking and relaying messages and making sure they never get double-booked. There are courses and qualifications that exist for these roles, but you can often learn on the job too. You'll need to have good IT skills and be able to navigate business software packages – such as email and calendar systems. Salaries range from £28,000 to £60,000 a year, according to the National Careers Service – but an executive assistant to the stars could earn much more. Door installer If your area of interest lies more in the trades you might want to think about door installation. Some of the key skills required for this role include patience, attention to detail and problem-solving. For many roles, you may also need a full UK driving licence. The work can be physical and might involve installing doors on new homes, repairing doors on older homes, as well as dealing with garage doors, fire doors and more. While you may find apprenticeships for these roles, you don't necessarily need one to start work, as you can also find entry-level jobs in door installation. One of the best ways to learn is on the job where you'll get the opportunity to work alongside established installers and gain real-life experience of the tools and materials required. Once you've got some experience, the key is to build on that – and hone your skills. Over time, you can hopefully become a professional door installer, and could earn closer to £50,000, and possibly more – especially if you end up running your own business. Audit assistant It is the role of an audit assistant to examine and evaluate the financial records of organisations – to check whether they are accurate, and whether they comply with financial regulations. You'll probably work closely with accountants and other financial professionals. You'll need to have good analytical and problem-solving skills, and be a stickler for detail. Top-notch verbal and written communication skills are key, too. Being proficient in Microsoft Office and spreadsheet software will be important, while understanding audit procedures and regulations would be helpful. There are no specific academic requirements, although professional qualifications are available from bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). You may be able to study for these through your employer once you're in the door. Salary offerings can vary, based on factors such as skills and geographic location, but you could earn north of £40,000. Equally, by taking up a role as an audit assistant you will gain experience in the financial industry. If you're ambitious, you can then potentially go on to work in other areas. Social media marketing assistant Roles in social media have soared in popularity, but in order to succeed you'll need to be clued up on the various platforms and able to do your job in a fast-paced environment. As a marketing assistant, you'll work closely with social media managers and marketing executives, and need to have a knack for creating engaging content. Day-to-day you are likely to be involved in carrying out market research, building brand awareness and working up social media strategies. You'll need top-notch writing skills, with an eye for the latest news and trends. While there are degrees for these roles, you can also learn on the job, with internships often turning into full-time roles. Land yourself the right role, and you could earn close to £40,000. Over time, you could – according to job site Indeed – get promoted to take on roles such as account executive, digital marketing specialist, marketing director or brand director. Climb your way up the career ladder and your earnings could increase considerably. Delivery driver If you hold a valid UK licence and have a good driving record, you could land a pretty well-paid job as a delivery driver, with the potential to earn almost £38,000 a year, according to Adzuna. While there are apprenticeships on offer, you can also apply directly. It may be useful to have experience in storage, working in a warehouse or other driving work. But crucially, you need to be happy with the idea of interacting with people and spending your days behind the wheel. Navigational skills and organisational skills will also come in handy. For a delivery driver role for a supermarket, such as Tesco, for example, you'll need tip-top customer service skills combined with the ability to be calm and collected. You'll also need to be clued up on health and safety protocols both in and out of the van. As the commercial sector has grown, there is a big call for delivery drivers, with lots of job opportunities related to this profession, including the likes of Royal Mail, UPS, Yodel and AO. How to get a high-paying job with no experience Don't underestimate your skills When you're job hunting and see a title you've not held before, you might assume there's no point in applying – but that's not always the case. 'Try to put the title aside and look at the job description for the skills. What skills do you have from parenting, volunteering, hobbies or past jobs, and how do these overlap with that description?' said Sam Kennedy Christian, a career coach at The Float Space, who supports parents navigating careers with young children. 'You need to determine your transferable skills,' agreed Emily Button-Lynham, a career and leadership coach. 'When I'm working with clients, I get them to summarise their most recent jobs, along with the key skills they used and developed. Examples of this may be problem-solving, project management or communicating to multiple stakeholders.' It may also be the case, she said, that even if a job description asks for specific experience, your skills and experience can still hit their list. Do your research Even if you have no experience when applying for a role, there's a lot to be said for being able to demonstrate just how much you want it – skills can be taught, but enthusiasm can be far more valuable. Ms Button-Lynham said: 'Try reading recent news articles about the industry and refer to these in your application or during the interview. See if you have a contact in the company you can speak to, or someone you know in that role that can share insights.' Get networking You might not think you have a 'network', but there are opportunities to make helpful contacts wherever you go. As well as contacting people you already know – old colleagues, family or friends who are in, or know people in, the industry you are interested in – it may be worth seeking out relevant events where you can make more connections. This could be talks, conferences or exhibitions, for example. 'Connect not only with potential contacts, but also people in your ideal role and company,' added Ms Button-Lynham. 'See if you can schedule coffee chats to find out more.' Attitude is key, according to Ms Elliott. 'My advice is to focus on what you bring to the table,' she said. 'Be clear about this, whether that's brilliant customer service, exceptional organisation skills or just good old-fashioned common sense.' Sort out your CV It may seem obvious, but the humble CV still plays an important role for recruiters. 'Tailor your CV to each role, keep it focused on relevant achievements,' said Ms Elliott. And, don't forget, your CV isn't just a piece of A4 any more – 'For goodness' sake, make sure your LinkedIn profile doesn't look like it was last updated in 2012,' she added. Natalie Ellis, managing director of Rebox HR, suggested using LinkedIn as a way to showcase yourself more than you can with a standard CV. 'If you are actively job-seeking, don't just use it to regurgitate your CV [on LinkedIn],' she said. 'Show some personality and highlight what makes you different. 'Employers are scrolling through dozens of profiles that all look the same, so it really doesn't hurt to stand out a bit.'
