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Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

What are apprenticeships?

Why work for Wirral University Teaching Hospital?

Working for Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) gives you the ability to improve the lives of others by supporting the care of patients and carers who depend on the services we provide. There are also lots of employee benefits such as progressive rates of pay, on the job training and a great pension scheme.

Not all the staff working for WUTH are front-line clinicians like doctors and nurses. We have IT professionals, accountants, engineers, scientists and many more professionals who come together to deliver the best experience and outcome possible for our patients.

Whatever skills you have, there is probably a job that will suit them in the NHS and an

Apprenticeship might be the perfect way to start your career with us.

How do I know if an Apprenticeship is for me?

Apprenticeships provide routes into a variety of careers in the NHS and are an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time, with many different areas of work to consider.

An apprenticeship in the NHS isn’t like going to college or University, as an apprentice you will be doing a real job in a real place – getting paid for it! You will have responsibilities to your employer and your colleagues and you will be working as part of a team in a great organisation. The responsibility you have whilst you’re learning on the job means you will develop skills very quickly whilst being supported by your team in WUTH. Whilst your learning in your workplace you may also go on day or block release to a training centre or college, working towards recognised competence and knowledge qualifications and developing your skills in Maths and English if needed.

What are the benefits of becoming an apprentice?

There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice:

  • You gain valuable workplace skills and experience.
  • You work in a real job for a real employer.
  • You are paid a salary and have a contract of employment.
  • You achieve qualifications.
    • You get support from your colleagues and training organisation.
    • It’s a career pathway that helps individuals achieve their goals.
    • It becomes a significant aspect of your CV to demonstrate skills, achievements and work experience.
    • There are opportunities for you to showcase your skills at regional apprenticeship  events.
    • You are entitled to NHS Discounts.
    • You are entitled to a National Union of Students (NUS) Apprentice Extra card, giving you access to discounts at more than 120 high street and online retail partners from as little as £11 per year. For more information visit www.apprenticeextra.co.uk 

What is included in an Apprenticeship?

A job and an apprenticeship: what's the difference? What are the benefits of becoming an apprentice?

Functional Skills & Numeracy, literacy, communications and IT skills relevant to the level of the apprenticeship + A technical certificate & the underpinning knowledge and theory element = Work based competence qualification & an Award, Certificate or Diploma, similar to an NVQ.

What is the time commitment?

The training period for an apprenticeship with WUTH can be as little as 15 months for a Level 2 apprenticeship and 18 months for a Level 3 apprenticeship. Many qualifications require minimal time out of the work place, with an assessor arranging to visit and observe the member of staff. There will be a requirement for the member of staff to do some work themselves to demonstrate their knowledge of relevant theory; this will be tailored to the qualification. There is also a need for some time to discuss work that is produced, ask questions to check understanding and action plan. Some qualifications require attendance at workshops to provide theoretical input, some require weekly attendance at college, and some are tested using formal exams.

Entry requirements

To apply for an apprenticeship candidates must:

  • You have to be at least 16 years old.

  • Entry requirements vary, and you may need up to five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4/A* to C — including English and maths.

  • You'll need to show you have the ability to complete the programme — what's required varies across training providers and job roles.

Where can I find out more about the Apprenticeships that are currently available?

Our apprenticeship vacancies will be advertised on NHS Jobs. There is no set time when an apprenticeship is advertised but by registering on NHS jobs and selecting that you are interested in Apprenticeships and the area, i.e. Wirral University Teaching Hospital, you will be sent notifications of all our new positions.

For more information on how to apply for an apprenticeship on NHS Jobs click here