Attrition is highest in the first year of Nursing programmes and can exceed 30% overall (HEE 2018). Approved education institutions (AEIs) are being asked to look at ways to reduce attrition (Parliament 2018). This study explored the academic needs of apprentices commencing Trainee Nursing Associate and Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship courses. Questionnaires and focus groups with Nursing apprentices (n =13) were held to identify content for the development of an online learning package. The areas identified included academic writing, referencing, literature searching and physiology. The resources were evaluated and the participants’ suggestions for improvements captured. This study highlights the need for pre-course preparation for apprenticeship students.
