Apprenticeships

Introduction

An apprenticeship is a work based training programme that will provide you with a set of vocational and functional skills qualifications which include English, Maths and ICT. Anyone that is over the age of 16 and not in full time education who does not currently hold a qualification in the same subject and level of study can apply to do an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are designed to give talented people an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst completing on the job training with skilled staff members whilst continuing to earn a salary. Apprenticeships currently last between twelve months and four years depending on the level of programme you apply for and are supported with a statutory 20%-Off-the-Job-training.

Download Off the job Training Policy

What our Trust offers you

The Trust offers many apprenticeship opportunities in a number of different roles, these provide an excellent opportunity if you are looking to start a career in the NHS.

Current employees are also offered the opportunity of career development through undertaking an apprenticeship qualification, there is no age limit on personal development through apprenticeships. To learn more on what opportunities are available contact the Trust Apprenticeship Coordinator (full contact details below).

You will receive continued manager’s support and mentorship of your long term career development goals, one to one support and guidance with your career journey will be provided by the apprenticeship coordinator, all tutoring will be delivered through high quality training from our carefully selected training providers. There will be an opportunity to meet with other staff studying apprenticeships at monthly networking sessions.

You will be joining a workplace with outstanding colleagues, receive expert training, always be encouraged to get involved and enjoy working where values matter.

Key benefits to being an NHS Apprentice

A career with the National Health Service (NHS) one of the largest employers in the world, with over 1.3 million staff
Everyone who joins the NHS is guaranteed a salary that matches their ability and responsibilities and given every opportunity to increase it through training and development
The NHS recognises the importance of a healthy work life balance. The improving Working Lives (IWL) initiative was introduced in 2000 which offered flexible working opportunities to increase motivation, Improve productivity and reduce stress amongst staff
Earn whilst you learn
Paid annual leave 27 days not including bank holidays
Induction period in place and receive regular personal development reviews
Full training and support whilst in post
Each apprentice will have a designated mentor to support and help guide them through their apprenticeship
Opportunity to work alongside experienced staff and learn job specific skills
Receive hands-on-training which gives you a real chance to put your skills into practice and gain more confidence in a working environment
The opportunity of exposure to the vast array of career opportunities within Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and wider NHS
Receive NHS discounts which include: High street stores, Nandos, Dominoes and many more (healthservicediscounts.com)
NUS student discounts which include cheaper bus fares etc. (www.nus.org.uk)

Application Criteria

New applicants who do not currently work for the Trust

All current apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the Trust website under Our Vacancies, these vacancies are also advertised on NHS Jobs, to apply you will need to register on NHS Jobs www.jobs.nhs.uk where you can then complete an application form or set up your details for future job alerts. Once the advert closes and if your application has been successful you will receive an email inviting you to interview which will be sent to the email address you have provided on your registration set up.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has a national database of Apprenticeship vacancies available within the NHS you can browse these by following this link:
findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

Existing Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust employee applicants

You have worked for the Trust for a minimum of 12 months
Have completed the Care Certificate (if applicable to your role)
Have the support of your line manager
You work a minimum of 16 hours per week
You do not hold a current qualification in the same subject of apprenticeship study
The apprenticeship study applied for must link to the job you are currently doing

To apply to undertake an apprenticeship study programme you can speak to your manager about starting an apprenticeship as part of your career development, this may be something that is identified as part of your career development through your Personal Development Review (PDR) once you have the support of your manager contact the Apprenticeship Coordinator.

Download Application Form

Qualifications Available

Clinical Pathways

Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Level 5
Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2
Healthcare Science Associate Level 4
Healthcare Support Worker Levels 2 and 3
Laboratory Scientist Level 5
Laboratory Technician Level 3
Maternity and Paediatrics Level 2
Pharmacy Technician Level 2
Registered Nurse Degree Level 5
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced
Trainee Nursing Associate Level 5

Non Clinical Pathways

AAT Level 2
Business Administration Levels 2/3
Commercial Procurement & Supply Level 4
Financial Services Administrator Level 3
HR Consultant / Business Partner Level 5
HR Support Level 3
IT apprenticeships available Levels 3 to 5
Project Management Level 4
Recruitment Level 3
Team Coordinator Level 3
Team Leader / Supervisor Level 3
Leadership and Management Levels 3/5
Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Level 7

Qualifications

Level of Study	Equivalent to
Level 2	5 GCSE A- C grade
Level 3	2 A level A-C grade
Level 4	Cert of HE/HND
Level 5	Foundation Degree
Level 6	Degree
Level 7	Masters

Apprentice Testimonials

Milan

I am delighted to be finishing my programme six months ahead of my son who is also completing his apprenticeship. I would like to continue to work with the elderly and having this qualification will help me achieve that goal...

Bernice

It has been my dream to progress in this field since I was a youngster. When I was in my home country I would see the nurses wearing their uniforms and I knew that was what I wanted to do I have always looked forward to caring for people and I love what I do here...

Omolola

I started as a volunteer in 2010 on a surgical ward. On a volunteering shift a supervisor saw me and asked if I wanted to think about my career. She took me to fill out the application form and then I started a job as a Support Team Assistant in 2011. My manager Cindy offered me lots of encouragement and pushed me to do an apprenticeship and I’m really pleased to have this achievement...

Alexandra

I was a hairdresser for 5 years but always wanted to be a nurse. As an assistant I have just completed my Level 3 in Health and Social Care and been accepted into Greenwich University to do my nurse degree. I’m lucky that the Trust have seconded me for 3 years so that I can come back as a qualified nurse and I can’t wait...

Maria

In order to fully understand what being an apprentice means and dispelling the myth that apprenticeships were only for ‘teenagers/young people’, I undertook to complete an apprenticeship myself, this has provided me with the knowledge and understanding that I can now pass on in my role as the Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Trust to new apprentice applicants, whilst offering them the relevant support and advise...