Start your apprenticeship with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
You can start an apprenticeship with us whether you’re starting your career, want a career change or you’re upskilling in your current job at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust endeavours to provide development opportunities for those looking to develop a career in the NHS, in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Why become an apprentice
Through apprenticeship programmes, individuals can earn a salary, develop their skills, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, all whilst contributing towards delivering excellent patient care. You can use apprenticeships to develop leadership and management expertise too.
The basics of apprenticeships in our trust
- Depending on your situation, the programme you are applying to study, and the needs of your service and team, you may stay in an existing role under your current terms and conditions, or you could potentially move into a new role.
- All educational fees are paid for in entirety by the trust, from the apprenticeship levy.
- A minimum of 20% of your weekly working time would be spent in off-the-job learning during the programme (for example, attending tutorials, writing assignments and other similar activities).
- Functional skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT are required (includes some teaching and an exam). If you don’t possess these functional skills you will need to gain them alongside your apprenticeship to complete the course.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship as an internal NHS staff member?
If you are an internal member of staff and would like to understand more about apprenticeships in our trust please visit the Somerset FT Apprenticeships page by clicking Apprenticeships which will take you to our internal intranet page.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship if I don't already work for the NHS?
Not all apprenticeships are available to external candidates. To help you find the career progression pathway which suits you best you can click on Occupational Maps: Skills England.
We would also advise exploring and applying for general roles within the trust which will intern expose you to apprenticeship opportunities.
An example of this would be our nursing pathway. You could join the trust as a….
Healthcare Support Worker (Non Apprenticeship)
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Progress onto the
Student Nurse Associate Apprenticeship
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Progress onto the
Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
Also keep an eye on our recruitment job page to apply for both general and apprenticeship vacancies which aligns with your career goals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Will I need to pay for my apprenticeship training?
No, all of your training costs are paid for by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
I already have a degree, does that mean I am unable to undertake an apprenticeship?
As long as the apprentice undertakes sufficient new learning within their apprenticeship, having a degree or any other qualification does not exclude you from undertaking the apprenticeship. Assessment of the individual’s prior learning and experience would form part of the recruitment process.
What qualification will I gain?
During your apprenticeship programme you will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further you in your chosen career. Depending on the type of programme you enrol onto you may also have the chance to work towards other recognised qualifications and functional skills in maths and English.
Can I get a degree from doing an apprenticeship?
Yes, higher apprenticeships give you the opportunity to train and study for a foundation degree or even an honours degree. You can also do a Degree Apprenticeship to study towards either a Bachelors or Master’s degree. During your degree apprenticeship, you will be required to study part-time with a University.
Would I be an employee during my apprenticeship?
Yes, as an apprentice you have the same employment rights as a substantive member of staff. The only difference is you may have a contractual end date to your employment, training programme once you have completed your apprenticeship, however, this is the exception.
Why should I choose an apprenticeship over University?
Apprenticeships take a more practical approach to learning than University. You will focus on training for a specific career and develop skills, knowledge and understanding by actually doing the job. You will gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to apply your skills immediately. You will also not incur University fees.
Useful information
The Healthcare Apprenticeship Standards Online (HASO) section of the Skills for Health website contains information about apprenticeships and career pathways. Below are some links to popular NHS pathways.
The Occupational Maps: Skills England show the relationships that exist between education, qualifications, apprenticeships and occupations in England.