Job overview
Please note that we are unable to provide Sponsorship for our Healthcare Support Worker roles.
This is a great opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare and take your first step towards becoming a registered nursing professional.
Our Trainee Senior Healthcare Support Worker (TSHCSW) programme has been specifically designed as an entry point into the nursing apprenticeship career pathway. You'll join us as a Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker, where you'll receive comprehensive training, support, and hands-on experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress into a Senior Healthcare Support Worker role.
As part of your development, you will undertake a Level 3 Apprenticeship Diploma in Health and Social Care, gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning and learning in a supportive clinical environment.
If you're passionate about delivering outstanding patient care, eager to learn, and looking for a clear pathway to advance your healthcare career, we'd love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to build your skills, make a real difference to patients' lives, and take the next step towards a future in nursing.
Main duties of the job
The Apprenticeship will be in partnership with EKC Group, and will last 2 years from the enrolment date onto the programme; this is expected to start in February 2027.
Under the Apprenticeship funding rules set by the ESFA you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria below to access Apprenticeship funding to support your training;
- Have the right to work in England. Study visa’s will not be accepted as you will need to be employed throughout the duration of your Apprenticeship.
- Have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the apprenticeship start date.
- Spend at least 50% of your working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.
- Be in relevant employment and work for a minimum of 30 hours per week, with employment contract covering the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
Please note: Any visa would need to be valid at the start of the programme and for the full duration of the programme. If the visa is due to be renewed part-way through the programme, you will not be able to enrol onto the apprenticeship, as per the UK Government Apprenticeship Funding rules.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents'.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Governance
Essential
- Adheres to Trust policies
- Will comply with the Data Protection Act, CNORIS, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.
- Act on the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Holds GCSE grade A-C /4-9 or level 2 functional skills in both Maths and English and can provide evidence of achievement
- Fully Completed the National Care Certificate and can provide evidence of completion
- Willing to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, skill in clinical observations, knowledge of relevant legislation; short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties, completion of a competency-based workbook
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people ideally in front line patient care
- Basic computer/keyboard skills
Desirable
- Previous experience as an HCSW in an acute hospital
Personal & Professional Attributes
Essential
- Effective communication and organisational skills
- Kind, compassionate and caring
- Ability to deliver high quality care
- Demonstrates patient focused approach
- Professional approach demonstrating: ability to work as part of a team; honesty and integrity; respecting equality and diversity
- Keen to develop knowledge and skills for personal and professional fulfilment
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Trainee Senior Healthcare Support Worker - Apprenticeship with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust in Trust wide. It is listed as a Band 2 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,272 - £25,760 per annum (pro rata if applicable). The contract type is Permanent: Must meet the Apprenticeship eligibility rules to be eligible for this post.. The application deadline is 24 Aug 2026.
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