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Job summary

Main area
Apprentice Nursing Associate
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
25 months (End Date: 1 October 2027. A 25 month fixed term contract or secondment if currently in substantive post with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Shift working pattern over a seven day week)
Job ref
311-H791-25
Employer
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Across Pennine Care NHS FT
Town
Ashton-under-Lyne
Salary
£24,625 - £25,674 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
02/06/2025 23:59
Interview date
12/06/2025

Employer heading

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust logo

Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

NHS AfC: Band 3

 

If you are Kind, Fair, Ingenious and Determined then we want you to come and join our #PennineCarePeople

https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/values

 

Job overview

We will be holding an information and support session on 21st May at 16:30, where you can find out more about the nursing associate programme and how to complete a good application form and what to research for your application and interview! To register click here. 

The Apprenticeship programme leads to a Foundation Degree as a Nursing  Associate. Tuition fees are fully funded.  The programme combines both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life.

All successful clinical candidates will be employed on a fixed term contract for a 25 month period.  

What qualifications do you need for this Apprenticeship role?

The minimum entry requirements are: GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language / New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language OR Functional  Skills Level 2 in Maths and English (not entry level 2) are essential.   

EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES MUST BE SHOWN AT INTERVIEW—Transcripts, provisional statement of results are not accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed after Wednesday 4th June 2025.

Interviews will be held on: Thursday 12th June and Friday 13th June 2025.  Due to this being an in-person assessment centre we would be unable to accommodate any other dates, therefore please hold these dates. 

Main duties of the job

The Nursing Associate role bridges the gap between a support worker and a Registered Nurse, providing a workforce for future healthcare.

The programme is structured around a number of clinical placements which will include:

  • Adult, Mental Health, Child and Learning Disability
  • At home, close to home and within the hospital

The programme will start on 2nd September 2025.  The SNA will rotate into placements within  Pennine Care and may be required to undertake placements in a neighbouring organisation to gain, for example, adult physical health experience.  The academic aspect of the programme will be delivered by University of Salford. 

Overall, SNAs will work clinically for 80% of their time and attend University for 20% per week.  Time at University may be one day per week or in blocks of time or a mixture of both. 

You will be able to demonstrate an ability to study at Diploma level with a commitment to complete a Foundation Degree Apprenticeship

While it's an advantage, experience working within healthcare is not essential.  Intermediate IT skills are a must for this role. 

If you have already achieved a level 4 qualification then you are required to provide a copy of any certificate/s on the interview day. 

Working for our organisation

We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.

Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. Were really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure were a great place to work.

All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We hold information sessions via MS teams every month. The session, provides information about the SNA programme, the role of the nurse associate, guidance on how to structure your application form and some hints and tips about what research you may wish to do to support you in your application and interview.  

Please be advised if you are a ‘Non-UK National’ applicant you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the settlement requirements of the apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified as eligible for funding by the relevant apprenticeship provider in order for you to formally enrol on the course.

The training provider will require evidence of:

  1. The length of visa, MUST cover the duration of the course
  2. Minimum 3 years residing in the UK (pre-enrolment onto apprenticeship)

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language / New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2)
  • Commit to completing the Foundation Degree Apprenticeship programme
Desirable criteria
  • Holds NVQ level 2 in Care or care certificate
  • Completion of an HCA development programme or Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning
  • Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience

Experience

Desirable criteria
  • Essential induction training and experience – care certificate or equivalent in a previous organisation
  • Previous experience of working within a health / care setting

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
  • Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well being (Making Every Contact Count)
Desirable criteria
  • Understanding of evidence based practice
  • Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance nutritional requirements etc.
  • Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level
  • Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Intermediate IT skills
  • Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
  • Caring and compassionate
  • Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
  • Ability to deal with nonroutine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
  • Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareNo smoking policyDisability confident employerNorth West BAME

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Annie Dixon
Job title
Head of Education & Workforce Development
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

You can also contact:

Nicola Burgess - Apprenticeship Facilitator 

[email protected]  

Lizzie Spence - Student nurse associate facilitator 

[email protected]

Mollie Prendergast - Student nurse associate facilitator 

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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