• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust opens applications for healthcare apprenticeship
• Healthcare support worker course offers on-the-job learning whilst earning
• Apprenticeship supports opportunities for career development and recognised qualifications

A pilot apprenticeship is being launched by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to help people step into a career in health.

Applications are now open for the ‘Healthcare Support Worker Level 2’ apprenticeship, which provides learners with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting to provide high quality and compassionate care to patients.

The course involves a wide-range of clinical and non-clinical duties, including:

• Monitoring an individual’s condition by checking blood pressures, temperatures or weight
• Providing comfort and wellbeing
• Keep records
• Making beds
• Looking after equipment used during clinical activities
• Providing personal care

As well as gaining workplace experience, the 12-month course also involves attending Bury College one day a month for structured learning with support from a tutor.

Lianne Robinson, Deputy Chief Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Healthcare assistants are a vital part of our workforce, they are often the front-facing members of our team who not only provide excellent care to our patients but support our nursing teams on a daily basis.

“This apprenticeship doesn’t require previous experience in healthcare so is the perfect opportunity for anyone over the age of 17 years who is looking to step on to the NHS career ladder and explore the variety of roles on offer here at Bolton.

“It’s really exciting to be able to invest in our future Bolton workforce, offering new employees qualifications, valuable experience and knowledge to strengthen our teams.

Tracy Thompson, Healthcare Assistant at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

We all work as a team and support each other. The great thing about Bolton is that it allows everyone to have a voice and to ultimately provide the best possible care for our patients.

“I chose Bolton as it has a fantastic reputation and is right on my doorstep. If you’ve got a caring nature, this is the place to be.

Apprentices will also benefit from completing the care certificate, manual handling, basic life support and where required, Maths and English.

Staff at the Trust recently celebrated apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, highlighting how apprentices can earn whilst they learn, gain experience and secure nationally-recognised qualifications without the added pressure of training costs.

To apply for a place on the apprenticeship course, visit NHS Bolton jobs.