About this role
Job summary
The West Midlands Genomics Laboratory (WMGL) based in Birmingham Women's Hospital is recruitingenthusiastic individuals with an interest in science to undertake a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science to start in January 2027.
The WMGL has an excellent record as a training laboratory, offering training across all levels of the healthcare science career pathway. We were recently awarded 'Employer of the Year' for 2024 by a national Apprenticeship provider. The Department is committed to continuous development and has an active seminar programme available to all staff. Full competence-based training will be given.
Further information is available at:
Further and higher education, skills and vocational training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate - CSR Group Scientific Training
Main duties of the job
The Level 4 Apprentice in Healthcare Science will assist our Genetic Technologists in day-to-day laboratory work, providing genetic testing services to NHS patients within the Central and South region. You will be working as a team and will be required to keep a high standard of laboratory health, safety and risk procedures. As part of the apprenticeship, 1 day a week will be spent attending online college lessons and working on academic tasks in order to gain a Level 4 BTEC qualification. You will receive support from both college and the laboratory for your studies.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To be eligible for this apprentice, applicants must:
- Be aged 16 or over by the apprenticeship start date.
- Have the right to work in England and sufficient time remaining on any visa or immigration permission to complete the apprenticeship.
- Normally have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for the three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins. Some exceptions apply, which will be assessed by the training provider.
- Not be in full-time education or undertaking another apprenticeship at the point this apprenticeship begins.
- Be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme, including its assessment.
Please note, it is an essential requirement for apprentices to have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of their apprenticeship.
Detailed information can be found in Annex A of the apprenticeship funding rules.
Apprenticeship funding rules: 2026 to 2027
About us
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is the first of its type in the UK. Our Trust was formed in February 2017 to drive forward our commitment to provide the highest quality, world-class physical and mental health care for our women, children and families. Uniting our hospitals means more seamless care; more investment to make greater advances in our specialist treatment and world-leading neo-natal and fetal work. Importantly, it also gives us a greater voice in shaping the future of family-centred care.
Birmingham Children's Hospital is a UK leading specialist paediatric centre with an international reputation in several areas.
Birmingham Women's Hospital is one of two dedicated women's hospitals in the UK, with the busiest single site maternity unit, delivering more than 8,200 babies a year offering a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care.
Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust.
When completing your application, please ensure you have evidenced how you meet the job description and person specification to include transferable experience, qualifications, skills along with professional registration details (if applicable).
Occasionally we receive a large number of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths grades 9 - 4 (A-C)
- 2 A Levels or equivalent
Desirable
- Biology at A-Level standard
Knowledge & Nature of Experience
Essential
- Basic understanding of the importance of Health Safety and Quality in a hospital laboratory
Desirable
- Basic understanding of human biology/genetics
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Knowing when to ask for help
Skills
Essential
- Basic IT skills
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of good team working, communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Manual dexterity
Personal Skills / Abilities & Attributes
Essential
- Interest in working with patient samples
- Flexible approach to work
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to concentrate in a busy environment
- Good Listener
- Self-motivated and desire to learn new skills as required
- Ability to demonstrate Trust values
- Professional approach to working in a hospital laboratory
Desirable
- Problem-solving skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Birmingham Women's Hospital - West Midlands Genomics Laboratory
Mindelsohn Way
Edgbaston
B15 2TG
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://bwc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)