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. Many people don’t realise that 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, if required (includes some teaching and an exam)
How do I apply for an apprenticeship as an internal NHS staff member?
To understand how internal apprenticeships work please visit the Somerset FT Apprenticeships page on the SOMPAR intranet which will walk you through how to apply.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship if I’m external to the NHS?
Not all apprenticeships are available to external candidates therefore use the HASO Pathways Tool which will help you find the correct qualifications to have, occupation to be in and desired apprenticeship for your career pathway. Once you have gained all that information keep an eye on Search Jobs | Recruitment | Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (somersetft.nhs.uk) and as long as you meet the requirements apply for the job that holds the correct career progression for you.
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 Apprenticeship Standards Factsheets show the variety of apprenticeships available in occupations such as Nursing, Ambulance Services, Allied Health Professions, Radiography and Healthcare Science.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s (IfATE) Occupational Maps show the relationships that exist between education, qualifications, apprenticeships and occupations in England.