The UK government has agreed to exempt certain master¡¯s degree-level apprenticeships in health and social care from a funding axe after concerns were raised about the impact on the NHS.

A commitment to retain funding for certain professions via what is being described as a ¡°mitigation fund¡± will initially last until 2029.?

Five roles have been identified as being in the scope of the fund ¨C advanced clinical practitioners, specialist community public health nurses, district nurses, clinical associates in psychology and population health intelligence specialists.

NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) have secured the commitment after the Department for Education (DfE) cut apprenticeship?funding for this provision?for anyone over the age of 21 in May.

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Education policymakers previously said they wanted to redistribute money to younger workers, following criticisms that too much of the apprenticeship levy was being spent on senior staff.

However, they were thought to be at odds with the health department, which was concerned that health workers required by the NHS would be adversely affected.??

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Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance, welcomed the mitigation fund.?

¡°Level 7 apprenticeships have played an essential role in developing the advanced skills our health and care sectors urgently need,¡± she said.?

¡°This new funding will go a long way to support the delivery of the government¡¯s 10-year health plan, through the continued professional development of the healthcare workforce.¡±

More information on how the exemption will be funded is expected in September.

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Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, called it a ¡°great decision¡±.?

¡°Universities and the NHS?have worked closely together to develop essential level?7 apprenticeships which are extremely valuable to the NHS, and play a significant role in training nurses and other healthcare professionals,¡± she added.?

¡°The continuation of funding for these qualifications is necessary to make sure the health service has the trained staff it needs to deliver excellent patient care.

¡°We?continue to believe that there are other level 7 apprenticeships that should be eligible for funding through the Skills and Growth Levy, because they meet the needs of employers in the public services and beyond, ?and will press this point with government.¡±

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com