Crewe's Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus is increasing its workforce after rapidly becoming recognised as a centre renowned for training nurses from around the world to work in the UK.

The Campus, which offers degrees in biomedical sciences plus pre-medical and medical foundation courses, opened in 2019 and already has more than more than 200 British and international students residing in its Booth Hall accommodation building.

With courses and student numbers set to grow, the Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus (ABHSC), based on the former Manchester Metropolitan University site, is actively looking to expand its team of 50 administration, customer care, welfare and site maintenance staff.

Director Amanda Weston (pictured) said: "In just 18 months Apollo has expanded into being a significant recruiter of overseas nurses in the North West which is paramount as we face a recovery of NHS services post Covid, and potential winter shortages of NHS staff.

"Plans are in place to supply thousands of staff to the NHS over the next few years.

"The site is now a vibrant campus with a vision to inspire collaborations between healthcare, education, research and innovation to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

"And we are particularly delighted to be in a position to create jobs for local people. We have been on a drive to double our staffing in the last months and will be continuing to do so in the run up to 2022."

The site opened as a college in 1912 and Apollo's main partner is the University of Buckingham, maintaining the academic presence.

Discussions are also taking place with the NHS about further projects to support primary care and the development of Community Diagnostic facilities. Meanwhile the campus has been a base for Covid vaccinations.

In addition to its interests in education, the campus is also home to a number of local community projects, including LS gymnastics, Autism Inclusive, Little Angels, and Jo Dance.

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce also has its headquarters on the site and Apollo has recently been welcomed as a Premium member as it looks to strengthen links with the local business community.

Miss Weston added: "Apollo has become a major recruiter of overseas nurses for the UK, supporting the on-going NHS workforce crisis in the UK.

"Working with another local partner – the Global Education and Training Centre, part of WWL NHS Trust, nurses arriving in the UK are able to complete their training in readiness for their new roles.

"We are now in a position to evolve our initial vision of being a health science campus and have linked with local GP practices to offer them an accessible base for their vaccination delivery during the last year. We look forward to working closely with these going forward.

"As a local person, I am delighted we can also accommodate local community projects, something we set as a target on the initial take-over from MMU."

Work is underway to restore and refurbish buildings on the historic Crewe Green Road site in a bid to attract new partners in technology, innovation and research.

On offer will be modern workspaces, laboratory space and wrap around services for start-ups as well as large areas of green space, a peaceful riverside area and picturesque Japanese garden.

ABHSC is also making available unique event space, short and long-term office lettings and use of its sports facilities. Its Wellness Centre already attracts many students and local users to gym and exercise classes.

For more information on Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus visit their website.