Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice

Job overview

DEVELOP YOUR CAREER WITHIN OXFORD UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AS A LEVEL 2 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION APPRENTICE

Are you looking for a career opportunity in the caring profession and to be a part of our valued NHS?

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has fantastic opportunities for you to learn whilst you earn and develop your professional skills.

This is an entry level post designed for those starting their working career in healthcare. It is for applicants aged 16-21 years, or up to 25 years if a care leaver or in prison.

We are looking for caring, compassionate, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals who are keen to learn and would like to work within a friendly and fast paced environment. You will be expected to apply our Trust values and standards to provide the highest standards of person-centred care to our patients.

This Apprenticeship training will last for 8 months, with final assessment by month 12.  Successful completion leads to a Level 2 Health and Social Care Apprenticeship, and a permanent Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker post.*

During the Apprenticeship, you will be employed full time in one clinical area in one of the 4 hospitals in the Trust and undertake a range of training to support in the development of knowledge, employability skills and behaviours, and clinical practice.

For some Apprentices this can lead to higher level qualifications and to have the opportunity to work through to degree level.

Main duties of the job

Our commitment to you includes a structured training plan, fully paid study time, professional support, and an opportunity to kick start your career within the NHS.

The successful applicant will be supported to:

• Complete the Care Certificate
• Develop the knowledge, skills, and employability skills and behaviours to achieve the Level 2 Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship
• Achieve Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 in English and Maths where required

Apprentices are employed as an Apprentice and are paid an Apprenticeship wage for up to 12 months. If they achieve the Care Certificate, pass the probationary employment period, and pass their final assessments of the Apprenticeship, they will then move into a Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker post, within their clinical area. Failure to achieve the apprenticeship may result in termination of the post.

Apprenticeship posts are available (indicate the specific wards in your division).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be eligible for an Apprenticeship with Oxford University Hospitals, UK Nationals must have been ordinarily a resident in the UK or the European Economic Area for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship; or have been ordinarily resident in a combination of the UK and EEA for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship. Non-UK Nationals must have permission from the UK Government to Live in the UK and been a resident in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the Apprenticeship.

Closing date for applications is: 8th May 2026

Virtual Information, Advice and Guidance session for potential applicants to understand the Apprenticeship they are applying for will take place as part of the recruitment process. It is essential that you attend this virtual session to confirm eligibility and to discuss prior learning, skills and knowledge

Dates:

Information, advice and guidance Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship Monday 27th April

Information, advice and guidance Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship Tuesday 5th May

Potential Interview Date: WC 29th June 2026

Potential Start Date: Monday 7th September 2026

Level 2 Health and Social Care Apprentice Level 2 Salary- currently £15,642 leading to Band 2 wage on successful completion of probationary period, Apprenticeship and care certificate

For further information please contact: [email protected]

Duties:

This Apprenticeship will support you to develop in the role of a Healthcare Support Worker (also known as care support worker or nursing assistant). As a member of the nursing team, you will support registered nurses and colleagues to deliver a high standard of care to patients in a caring and safe environment.

To work as part of the ward team in developing and maintaining services provided to patients and contribute to the safe, efficient and smooth running of the ward/clinical area. To maintain the dignity and privacy of all patients and respect their right to confidentiality. To complete and maintain on an ongoing basis a generic and specific portfolio of clinical competencies, the Care Certificate, a Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship and functional skills (if required) in English and Maths.  All of these qualifications will require regular attendance in class, commitment to your work role and learning, and commitment to patients and colleagues.

Progress will be reviewed with the Apprenticeship assessor and ward manager at regular intervals and through an appraisal process. You should understand your own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to registered staff. All work will be carried out under the direct supervision and allocation of appropriate healthcare tasks from registered healthcare practitioners.

You will be expected to complete the care certificate if you have not already done so or provide evidence of prior achievement.  If you have already achieved the care certificate you will be required to demonstrate that you have achieved and are maintaining the attitudes, behaviours and knowledge required to care for our patients to a high standard through self-assessment and observations. In addition, you will be required to complete and maintain any occupationally relevant proficiencies.  Annual appraisals are a requirement with opportunities to review progress with your manager.  You will understand your own level of responsibility, scope of practice and accountability and at all times act within your capabilities.

All new in role, nursing assistants, theatre support workers, maternity support workers and assistant practitioners will be expected to achieve the care certificate within the first 16 weeks of employment if they have not already done so through previous employment. The care certificate consists of 15 standards that set out explicit learning outcomes, competences and standards of behaviour that are expected of a nursing assistant.