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Health Care Assistant – Level 3 Apprenticeship | University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available for This Role

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is recruiting Health Care Assistant Apprentices to join its Level 3 apprenticeship programme, with a new cohort starting in January 2027.

This 24-month programme offers an opportunity to develop healthcare skills, gain a nationally recognised qualification and progress towards a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker role. Successful apprentices will receive support from an onsite tutor, dedicated study time and opportunities to explore other departments within the Trust.

Important: The Trust has confirmed that it cannot offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position because the role does not meet the eligibility criteria.

Job Overview

  • Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
  • Job Title: Health Care Assistant – Apprenticeship
  • Location: Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
  • Salary: £25,272 per annum (Band 2, as listed in the job details)
  • Contract: Fixed-term apprenticeship, 24 months
  • Working Pattern: Full-time
  • Minimum Hours: 30 hours per week
  • Programme Start: January 2027
  • Interview Period: November 2026
  • Closing Date: 31 October 2026
  • Reference Number: 216-RK-HCA-Apprenticeship

About the Apprenticeship

The programme is delivered in partnership with a local training provider and is designed for people who want to develop their healthcare knowledge and build a long-term career in patient care.

Apprentices will work towards a Level 3 Diploma and receive support throughout their training. There may also be opportunities to progress to further qualifications, including degree-level training through future apprenticeships.

The role involves working a rota that includes days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, candidates will progress to a Band 3 role with a corresponding salary increase.

Key Responsibilities

As a Health Care Assistant Apprentice, your responsibilities will include:

  • Providing patient care in line with individual care plans and Trust policies.
  • Obtaining patient consent before delivering care.
  • Carrying out delegated clinical duties, including monitoring blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation and glucose levels.
  • Collecting and testing relevant clinical samples as required.
  • Supporting patient assessments and escalating concerns to appropriate clinical staff.
  • Promoting patients’ independence, self-care and wellbeing.
  • Following infection prevention, health and safety and patient confidentiality procedures.
  • Maintaining accurate electronic and written patient records.
  • Communicating effectively with patients, relatives and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Ensuring clinical equipment and supplies are maintained appropriately.
  • Supporting health education and delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Enthusiasm and commitment to working in healthcare.
  • Education in Mathematics and English, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Awareness of healthcare work, relevant policies and procedures.
  • Commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.

Apprenticeship qualification requirement: Applicants who already hold a qualification above Level 3 may not be eligible unless the Trust can demonstrate that the apprenticeship will develop new skills.

Candidates must be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be considered for the apprenticeship scheme.

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Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

This vacancy does not offer visa sponsorship.

Although the general NHS Jobs information states that applications from people requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship may be considered, the specific vacancy advert explicitly confirms that the Trust cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.

Applicants who require new Skilled Worker sponsorship should therefore not rely on this vacancy as a sponsored employment route.

Selection Process

Interviews are expected to take place in November 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted through the email address provided in their application, so candidates should check their inbox regularly.

Preference will be given to existing Trust staff and applicants with Priority or At Risk status, including NHS At Risk staff across Devon, who can demonstrate relevant recent experience.

The Trust welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and will consider requests for flexible working or less-than-full-time arrangements. Applicants should contact the recruiting manager before submitting an application to discuss these requests.

The post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Overseas applicants may also need to provide criminal record certificates covering relevant periods of residence abroad.

How to Apply

To review the full job description, eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit the official NHS Jobs vacancy page below.

Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Recruitment Contact: Rosie Knight, Recruitment Team Leader
Email: rosie.knight4@nhs.net
Telephone: 01752 432100

Closing Date: 31 October 2026

Source: NHS Jobs – University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

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