Public Health

Public Health Apprentice Level 6 – Derby City Council

Build a career in public health while earning a degree! Derby City Council is recruiting a Public Health Apprentice Level 6, offering a salary of up to £28,153 per year and the opportunity to study for a BSc in Public Health at Coventry University.

Job Overview

• Employer: Derby City Council
• Job Title: Public Health Apprentice Level 6
• Salary: £26,427 – £28,153 per year
• Location: Council House, Derby, England
• Contract: Fixed-term, 3 years
• Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Hours: 9am – 5pm
• Qualification: BSc Public Health
• University: Coventry University
• Job Reference: 000012604
• Date Posted: 23 October 2026
• Closing Date: 9 November 2026
• Expected Start Date: Early January 2027
• Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

About the Opportunity

Derby City Council is offering an exciting apprenticeship for someone who wants to help improve community health and wellbeing while developing a career in public health.

The successful candidate will work across the Council’s Public Health and Neighbourhoods teams while studying towards a BSc in Public Health at Coventry University.

The three-year programme combines practical workplace experience with academic study. At least one working day each week will be dedicated to university courses or studying.

Previous experience in public health or local government is not essential. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate how their existing knowledge and experience can be applied to the role.

Key Responsibilities

As a Public Health Apprentice, you will:

• Gain experience in public health functions, including disease prevention, health protection and health improvement.
• Support the planning and delivery of public health services, projects and programmes.
• Assist with monitoring and evaluating public health initiatives.
• Support communication and community engagement activities.
• Work with Neighbourhood Managers, Neighbourhood Officers and Local Area Coordinators.
• Support the Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence team with neighbourhood profiles.
• Develop your understanding of health inequalities and the needs of local communities.
• Complete the required academic study and apprenticeship learning objectives.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.
• A commitment to supporting communities.
• A basic understanding of public health, the NHS, local authorities and their responsibilities.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage priorities and organise workloads.
• Good communication skills and the ability to engage with different communities.

Qualifications and education:

Applicants must have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above, or equivalent Functional Skills qualifications, and either:

• Successful study at Level 3, such as A-levels or BTEC qualifications; or
• At least two years of experience working in a public health-related role.

You do not need previous public health or local authority experience, provided you can show how your existing skills and knowledge are relevant.

Derby City Council particularly encourages applications from Derby City residents and people who have lived experience of, or an understanding of, the needs of underserved communities.

Degree and Training Opportunities

The apprenticeship provides an opportunity to earn a BSc in Public Health while gaining hands-on experience within a local authority.

You will receive support from the Public Health team to meet the programme’s learning objectives and develop skills relevant to a future career in public health.

Please note that the successful applicant must be available to start in early January 2027 to meet the university course start dates.

Employee Benefits

Derby City Council offers a range of employee benefits, some of which depend on the role and contract.

• Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover.
• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and increasing to 32 days after five years of service, plus applicable bank holidays.
• Discounts through Team Derby Rewards.
• Learning and development opportunities, mentoring and professional qualifications.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for eligible roles.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Cycle2Work scheme and free cycle training.
• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year.
• Employee networks and an inclusive working environment.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through Derby City Council’s recruitment website.

Option 1: Apply online

Complete and submit the application form through the official vacancy page.

Option 2: Apply using your CV

Applicants who prefer to use a CV must complete the required Declaration Form and email it with their CV to marie.cowie@derby.gov.uk.

Your CV should clearly demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the essential requirements. A supporting statement explaining how you meet the person specification is also strongly recommended.

The Equalities Form is optional and can be sent to recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.

Interview dates: Monday 23 November to Friday 27 November 2026.

Interview location: Council House, Derby.

Please note that application numbers may be capped, meaning the vacancy could close before the advertised deadline if the maximum number of applications is reached.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 9 November 2026
• Interview Period: 23–27 November 2026
• Expected Employment Start: Early January 2027

Applications received after midnight on the closing date will not be accepted.

Official Application Link

Apply directly through the official Derby City Council recruitment portal:

Employer: Derby City Council
Job Reference: 000012604