Following GCSE results day, Health Education England has highlighted apprenticeships in clinical and non-clinical roles as a route into healthcare.

Since 2016, more than 86,000 apprenticeships have started in the NHS - with around 49,000 in clinical roles.

Nursing is the most popular profession for apprenticeships, though other apprenticeships are available in allied health professions such as physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography and as a paramedic.

Non-clinical roles are also available in human resources, admin, IT and finance.

Mark Radford, Health Education England Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nurse, said: “Our apprenticeship programme gives young people greater choice about their future career and a route into healthcare.

“The NHS provides apprenticeships for a wide range of different professions and gives people the opportunity to develop into experienced professionals in these fields.

“For example, we are delighted that more than 6,000 prospective nurses have undertaken nursing degree apprenticeships to become registered nurses.

"This highlights the NHS’ commitment to giving our hardworking and talented people the opportunities to progress a career inside the health service.”