Apprentice Physiotherapist

Job overview

Salary (AFC Band 5 Annex 21 – 2026/27): • Year 1: 65% of top Band 5 – £25,377.95 • Year 2: 70% – £27,330.10 • Year 3: 75% – £29,282.25

Kick‑start your physiotherapy career with a rare opportunity to train while you work. We’re looking for motivated individuals ready to take their first step toward becoming qualified physiotherapists. As a Physiotherapy Degree Apprentice with NCIC, you will learn in a supportive environment, working with people of all ages and across a wide range of specialties.

This three‑year programme combines: • 20% academic study at University of Lancashire • 20% clinical placements • 60% workplace learning

You will perform all elements of the role as a learner under direct or indirect supervision from registered practitioners, giving you practical experience alongside your studies. On successful completion, you can apply for HCPC registration as a Physiotherapist.

We currently have two posts available: • Acute Physiotherapy Team, West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven • Integrated Musculoskeletal Team, West Cumbria

You must be able to travel across NCIC sites and to University of Lancashire in Preston.

In order to meet the criteria for apprenticeship funding you must have been a UK resident for a minimum of three years and be eligible to stay in the UK for the duration of the three year apprenticeship.

As part of clinical role and placements this may include community work.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Have the knowledge to interpret information and be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcome.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment.
• Work within a wide variety of clinical environments.
• Practice in accordance with NCIC policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.
• Commit to undertake the formal education of the course and successfully complete all components of the training programme within the contract period.

Please see job description document for this post for further details in regards to the main responsibilities of the role.

The acute and IMSK Physiotherapy services work closely with medical, nursing and other Allied Health Professionals both within the acute and community settings, to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation and assist in providing a smooth transition between acute and community care.

Our main aim is to promote and facilitate an optimum return to function for all patients referred to the service and proactively manage safe and appropriate discharges with the multi-disciplinary team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP:

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL).  Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.

AHP - Return to Practice Job Advert information. This role may be suitable for individuals Returning to Practice. Please speak to the recruiting manager for more information.

Disclosure and Barring Service:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £6.50 = £28.00 Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.

Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £6.50 = £56.00 Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.

NCIC can offer successful future employees the following benefits:

27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years

Flexible working Scheme

NHS Discounts*

Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*

Excellent opportunities for development*

Competitive NHS Pension scheme

Vivup is a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems

*Subject to eligibility

Important Information:

Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.

If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.

Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.