We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise. An apprenticeship can help people achieve their long-term career aspirations.
We offer apprenticeships to individuals at all levels – from school/college leavers taking their first steps into the health service, those seeking job/career change, those wanting a career progression route and to our existing members of staff who want to enhance their skills and future prospects.
The Trust is proud of its apprenticeship programmes. As outlined on the Welcome to CUH Apprenticeship page there are two main types:
- Direct Entry
- Career Progression
This page focuses on the direct entry apprenticeship route.
Direct Entry apprenticeships at CUH
These apprenticeships start at education level 2 or level 3, for further information on the levels see apprenticeships explained; roles can include working in clinical areas, supporting clinical functions or corporate services. Some have direct contact with patients and staff. No previous hospital or related work experience is necessarily required.
You will work alongside a range of professions in the NHS; other administrators, clinical and support staff who will support, train and mentor you as well as receiving a full study programme with the training provider/college who provide the apprenticeship standard for the relevant apprenticeship.
These roles are recruited to at various time throughout the year. The Standards offered alongside them, include amongst others:
- Business Administration or Customer service
- Pharmacy
- Healthcare Science or Lab Technician
- Estates and Facilities (for example carpentry and plumbing)
For more details on these please visit Apprenticeships.
These apprenticeships offer a full-time, fixed term contract ranging between 15 and 24 months depending on apprenticeship specialism.
All apprentices are provided with:
- a comprehensive induction programme and access to additional in-house training courses
- support by an education provider/college to complete the apprenticeship occupational standard
- support from their line manager and team
- pastoral support and guidance from the Work Opportunities Team
These are fixed term posts; CUH offers advice and guidance to enable direct entry apprentices to apply for permanent positions at CUH and access to further development (further information below).
Salary for direct entry apprenticeships
First 12 months of employment £13,400 (CUH Apprenticeship pay rate as at 2023)
After 12 months services the following annual salary will apply based on the apprentices age (this is based on the national minimum/living wage for the UK):
- Aged 17 to 20 – £13,400
- Aged 21 to 22 – £17,901
- Aged 23+ £18,525
We encourage and support direct entry apprentices to consider future employment and training with CUH. We provide practical and pastoral support during the apprenticeship as well as advice and guidance to apply for jobs towards the end of the apprenticeship.
Direct entry apprentices may be successful in securing employment in a Band 2 or Band 3 role either during or after their completion of the apprenticeship. The starting salary for a Band 2 post is £20,270 and a Band 3 post is £21,730 with pay step progression and opportunities for further advancement. We have been able to support many of our apprentices into permanent employment through this route and see them develop their career at CUH.
Are you eligible to apply?
Due to government funding regulations important criteria for apprenticeship candidates are:
- must live in the UK
- must have proof of right to work in the UK and have had UK or EU residency for the last three years
- must not be taking part in full time education during the time of the contract
In order to meet the demands of the job role at CUH and qualification candidates must:
- meet the requirements of the Person Specification related to the job role
- have a good standard of education including a minimum Grade 3/D in English and math’s or equivalent *
*Further support and signposting will be offered to applicants or enquiries from those who do not meet these criteria.
Frequently asked questions
National Apprenticeship Week
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