" I really enjoyed this course. It was good to do written work and go deeper into the skills which I already have.
Doing a course like this really makes you feel valued and enhances your skills.. "

Coventry NHS Apprenticeships: FAQ's

For queries or further information, please contact the Work Experience Team on 02476 967651 or email.

What are the entry qualifications?

There are no formal entry qualifications, however, you will be expected to be able to achieve Level 1 or Entry Level 3 Key Skills in Maths and English. Your competency in Maths and English will be assessed during the recruitment process.

How will I know if UHCW is offering further apprenticeships?

Any apprenticeship vacancies will be advertised on the UHCW website and on the Apprenticeships website.

How do I apply for a Trust Healthcare Support Worker?

You can apply through the National Apprenticeship Service website or via the NHS Jobs Website. Applications are then shortlisted against the set criteria on the relevant person specification. Candidates who meet the criteria will be invited to attend an assessment day which is spilt into two stages:

1st Stage (am)

Key Skills Maths and English Test – (Level 1 Standard)
Talk by a Modern Matron for Health & Social Care applicants, or Administration Manager for Business Admin applicants.
Talk by a current Healthcare Support Worker or Administration Assistant ( a day in the life of)
Feedback will be given to applicants who have not reached the required standard at Level 1
Successful applicants are invited to attend the 2nd stage of assessment

2nd Stage (pm)

Interviews (duration 30 minutes)
Interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of interviews within one week of the assessment centre
Successful candidates will be offered a place as a Healthcare Support Worker or Administration Assistant subject to pre-employment checks to include; satisfactory occupational health clearance, two references and Criminal Records Bureau clearance.
Candidates who are successful but we are unable to place straight away in a ward/department will be placed on a ‘waiting list’ to be allocated when more vacancies occur

What happens after I apply?

Your application form will be:

submitted for short-listing process, which involves assessing whether you meet the criteria required on the person specification for the role.
if successful:
you will be invited to attend a full information day at University Hospital Coventry, when you will hear about the work of a Healthcare Support Worker if you have applied for a Health & Social Care Apprenticeship, or about the role of an Administration Assistant if you have applied for a Business Admin Apprenticeship. You will also gain information about the Apprenticeship programme and hear about the additional support available for apprentices during the placement.
your key skills in Maths and English will also be assessed, with formal interviews taking place in the afternoon.

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the programme, subject to pre-employment checks to include; satisfactory occupational health clearance, two references and Criminal Records Bureau clearance.

How long does the Apprenticeship last?

Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers or Administration Assistants are employed by the Trust for a fixed-term period of 11 months on a training salary of £97.50 per week.

If apprentices successfully complete the programme they will be in an excellent position to apply for a post as a Healthcare Support Worker or Administration Assistant.

What is the Apprentice Framework?

The Apprenticeship framework consists of three parts:

NVQ Level 2

NVQs are work-based qualifications, which have been designed to give you the skills and expertise which you will need in order to carry out the tasks associated with your role in the workplace. NVQs are assessed using work-based evidence.

Key Skills

Key skills are the skills which you will need in order to carry out a range of activities at work, education and in everyday life. The aspects of key skills covers Communication, Numeracy and IT Skills.

Technical Certificate

The Technical Certificate is designed to reinforce your knowledge and understanding needed for the core units of the NVQ. The core units of a Level 2 NVQ in Health & Social Care are:

Communicate with and complete records for individuals
Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
Develop your knowledge and practice
Ensure your own actions support the care, protection and well-being of individuals

You will need to select 2 of these core units, 2 optional units and a further 2 units from either the core or optional units. There are 28 units to choose from in the optional group.

Technical Certificates are also nationally-recognised, stand-alone qualifications in their own right.

What support will I have while I am studying?

You will be fully supported throughout your Apprenticeship both by Trust staff from our Learning & Development Department and our partnership training providers, NTC Training. NTC Training will allocate you a named trainer, and you will be able to contact your trainer with any queries or concerns you may have about your training programme. You will also have a named buddy on your Ward, who will ensure that you are fully supported in the workplace.

What happens when I’ve finished the Apprenticeship?

If you complete the programme successfully you will have a nationally-recognised qualification in Health & Social Care or Business Administration. You will be in an excellent position to apply for a Band 2 post as a Healthcare Support Worker or Administration Assistant. If appointed to a permanent post, you will also have the opportunity to gain further qualifications

Further Questions?

A selection of our most frequently asked questions relating to NHS apprenticeships in Coventry & Warwickshire. If the answer to your question cannot be found here please feel free to ask on our online discussion board. Alternatively contact the Work Experience Team by telephone on 02476 967651 or by email: nhsworkexperience.covandwark@uhcw.nhs.uk.