The NHS Faces a Pressing Digital Skills Gap
This report addresses the digital skills challenge in the NHS and discusses how apprenticeships effectively improve digital skills. The study was conducted online from September 13 to September 27, 2024, from insights gathered from 125 NHS decision-makers across HR, technology and data. The report uses these findings to present actionable strategies for building a skilled workforce and driving digital transformation in the NHS.
Our Research Partner
This report presents findings from research conducted by Opinium in partnership with Corndel.
Opinium is an award-winning strategic insight agency renowned for its market research and consultancy.
- Incompatibility with existing systems: 27%
- Limited budget allocation: 24%
- Culture of resistance to change among staff: 24%
- Integration challenges with third-party solutions: 15%
- Regulatory compliance challenges: 23%
- Legacy systems and outdated infrastructure: 21%
- Integration challenges with third-party solutions: 15%
Breaking Down Barriers: Unlocking the potential of the Apprenticeship Levy in the NHS
Key findings
The NHS faces significant barriers to effectively using the Apprenticeship Levy.
As an apprenticeship provider, we recognise and are committed to addressing the challenges. Our role is to demystify the Apprenticeship Levy by providing clear and comprehensive information about its advantages for employers and trainees. We offer tailored support to help the NHS navigate the complexities of implementation, reducing administrative burdens and helping meet strategic priorities through apprenticeships.
We also actively engage with potential applicants, showcasing the value and career progression opportunities apprenticeships provide. By fostering partnerships with NHS organisations, we aim to enhance awareness and participation, ultimately ensuring that more individuals benefit from these essential training programmes.
The NHS’s success and the quality of patient care depend on harnessing AI effectively. It’s no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. Corndel’s leadership, data, and tech programmes all include AI modules to ensure your workforce is prepared for this pivotal transformation.
Tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini go beyond convenience; they’re driving a seismic shift that demands new skills, creates novel roles and reinvents old ones. Yes, AI will replace some tasks, but it also unlocks unprecedented opportunities for innovation, growth and career advancement. Ignore it, and risk falling behind, embrace it, and stay ahead.
Mastering AI Fundamentals with Corndel
Corndel’s AI Fundamentals modules prepare your organisation to succeed in the AI-driven workplace, equipping teams with the skills to navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.
Built into all Corndel programmes, these modules provide practical, impactful learning through two key components:
- The Essentials: A comprehensive introduction to AI, covering its mechanics, opportunities and risks. - Tailored Mastery: Function-specific, designed for practical application in areas such as leadership, data science and software engineering, ensuring relevance across diverse roles.
The AI revolution is here. With Corndel’s AI Fundamentals, your organisation will be ready to embrace the opportunities of an AI-powered future.
Take your AI learning further with Corndel’s AI Academy
For those looking to build deeper expertise, Corndel’s AI Academy offers specialised training in AI, automation and data analytics. Designed for professionals across industries, the Academy provides hands-on learning, expert-led workshops and real-world applications to help organisations implement AI effectively.
From understanding AI fundamentals to driving AI-powered innovation, Corndel’s AI Academy equips your workforce with the advanced skills needed to thrive in an AI-first world.
The AI revolution is here. With Corndel’s AI Fundamentals and AI Academy, your organisation will be ready to take full advantage of the opportunities an AI-powered future offers.
Corndel's AI Academy collaborates with leading partners to deliver advanced AI education:
- Imperial College London: In partnership, we offer programmes that combine academic excellence with real-world application, ensuring your team gains both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Microsoft: Our collaboration with Microsoft enriches our curriculum with the latest AI tools and technologies, providing learners with access to industry-leading practices.
8 ways apprenticeships can help the NHS
Engage underrepresented groups
Apprenticeships play a vital role in diversifying the NHS workforce by actively engaging underrepresented groups, especially in technology and data.
Corndel can help advance diversity and inclusion through tailored apprenticeship programmes that attract individuals from varied backgrounds. Corndel also offers Skills for Business (Functional Skills) and Maths courses for those who feel they may need and personalised coaching, Corndel ensures all learners have the foundational skills to succeed. This inclusive learning environment drives innovation and enhances patient care.
Offer flexible, inclusive apprenticeship programmes
Apprenticeships are a flexible route for NHS employees to develop digital skills training while continuing their work. Programmes can be tailored to the needs of individuals, including those requiring additional support, ensuring an inclusive approach to skills development.
Track and enhance diversity progress
With clear metrics in place, apprenticeships allow the NHS to track diversity and inclusion efforts ensuring that progress is measurable and sustainable over time. Continuous monitoring helps improve the effectiveness of apprenticeship programmes in supporting a diverse workforce.
Breaking barriers with accessible, flexible learning
At Corndel, we know that accessibility is key to successful training programmes. This is especially crucial for NHS learners, where diverse backgrounds and unique needs can present challenges. That's why we focus on fostering an inclusive learning environment that meets your needs and provides every learner to reach their full potential.
For those facing barriers, Corndel works hand-in-hand with the NHS to break them down. From eliminating prior experience requirements to providing tailored support, we make apprenticeships accessible to a wider range of applicants. Through foundational courses like Skills for Business (Functional Skills) and Maths, we ensure every learner has the tools to succeed and grow.
But we don’t stop there. If learners are facing barriers to learning, Corndel is here to help. As a leader in delivering Skills for Business programmes, we consistently achieve reading, writing and maths pass rates above the national average, proof that our approach works.
We understand that everyone learns differently. Whether it’s navigating dyslexia, Autism, ADHD or other challenges, our dedicated Learner Support Team provides personalised coaching and practical strategies. From their very first one-to-one session, learners gain insights into how their minds work, discover ways to overcome obstacles and receive tools designed just for them.
Our mission is simple, to make apprenticeships and training programmes accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.
By partnering with the NHS, we’re not just shaping careers—we’re unlocking potential, fostering inclusivity, and building a brighter future for every learner.We understand that everyone learns, processes information and thinks differently. Whether learners are managing learning challenges like dyslexia, additional needs such as Autism or ADHD, or any other barriers— our dedicated Learner Support Team is here for you. We’ll help them understand how their brain works, address obstacles and tailor tools and techniques to meet their needs. They’ll explore this with their coach during their first one-to-one session. Corndel’s mission is to make apprenticeships and training programmes accessible to as many learners as possible, creating equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
Implement staff retention strategies
Corndel supports the NHS by providing tailored training programmes that address changing workforce needs. Flexible learning and personalised coaching ensure NHS employees stay current with new technologies and industry best practices, supporting career progression and improving operational efficiency.
Establishing clear career pathways and entry-level roles can attract new talent while using the Apprenticeship Levy reduces recruitment costs and enhances patient care.
Expand programme offerings
Develop targeted apprenticeship programmes focusing on critical skills such as data analysis, cybersecurity and digital leadership. This will ensure apprenticeships remain relevant and aligned with the changing needs of the NHS.
Enhance digital skills training
Corndel can improve digital skills training in the NHS through tailored, high-impact programmes. One-on-one coaching allows learners to develop practical abilities directly related to their roles, enhancing productivity and performance.
Foster a culture of innovation
Corndel can help the NHS promote a culture of innovation through training programmes that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. Mentorship and coaching empower NHS staff to explore new ideas, enhancing services and patient outcomes.
Corndel can help you implement apprenticeship programmes tailored to your organisation’s needs
Learn how we’ve supported the NHS in promoting staff growth through apprenticeships, fostering an inclusive environment that drives innovation, grows workforce diversity and improves patient care.
Addressing apprenticeship misconceptions
Discover how United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust builds a data-driven culture, equipping teams for strategic, data-informed decisions. The Trust’s commitment to robust training highlights its positive impact on NHS patient care and efficiency.
Preparing clinicians for leadership roles
In today’s healthcare landscape, managing change requires strong leadership. Find out how Imperial College used our Healthcare Leadership Programme to advance clinicians into key leadership roles.
NHS leaders share their experiences
Three NHS leaders share their journeys through our advanced leadership development. Their experiences highlight resilience, empathy and strategic insight as essential tools in today’s healthcare landscape.
Our programmes are designed to align with accredited standards, ensuring that learners gain the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles. By adhering to these benchmarks, we provide a consistent and high-quality learning experience that directly contributes to individual and organisational success.
Beyond simply meeting standards, our programmes focus on fostering professional growth, that equips learners with practical skills to advance their careers. Through expert instruction and one-to-one support, learners will build confidence and achieve career success.
From challenges to solutions
To meet the growing demand for digital skills in the NHS, our apprenticeship programmes are designed to:
- Equip employees with cutting-edge knowledge, with our programmes in Data Analysis, DevOps and Digital Leadership.
- By using your Levy allowance, Corndel provides a cost-effective, scalable solution, allowing you to upskill your workforce.
- Our apprenticeship programmes are tailored to the needs of the NHS to ensure relevance and applicability.
- Corndel’s apprenticeships combine online learning with personalised one-to-one coaching and mentoring, helping learners build skills and knowledge they can apply immediately on the job. Our coaches offer deep insights, guiding learners to make meaningful, real-world impacts.
In the NHS, advanced digital skills are essential for quality patient care. Delays, system issues and missed innovations directly impact healthcare, making the digital skills gap a growing challenge for effective service delivery.
Apprenticeships are a vital lifeline for the NHS. They offer targeted training to bridge the digital skills gap and equip staff with essential skills for today’s NHS. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, these programmes provide a cost-efficient and strategically crucial training and skills resource. They equip NHS staff to reskill in key areas like data, AI and cybersecurity, enhancing their effectiveness and confidence in the digital age.
Shaping the NHS digital tomorrow
The report highlights the urgent need for a strategic approach to tackle the digital skills gap within NHS trusts. Addressing the digital skills gap is not just an operational necessity, it's vital for improving patient care and enhancing NHS efficiency.
By investing in digital skills and creating a supportive learning environment, the NHS can effectively navigate the complexities of the digital age and deliver high-quality healthcare to communities.
