About this role
Job summary
Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme
Are you looking to start an exciting and rewarding career as a Nursing Associate and have a passion for delivering high-quality care within an Inpatient Mental Health service?
We are running our 19th cohort of Student Nursing Associate Apprentices, working in partnership The University of Lancashire (ULAN) / The University of Cumbria.
These posts are apprenticeship posts commencing on the September 2026 cohort, whichwill see you develop to a NMC registered Nursing Associate, through completing a 2-year foundation degree training programme. The course is fully funded.
Internal candidates, will be on a 2 year Trust Secondment contract
External Candidates will be a 2 year fixed term contract.
We are offering posts in the below Mental Health inpatient services within LSCFT, therefore please indicate in your supporting information your preference;
2 posts- Based at Woodview Mental Health Inpatient Wards, Whalley
2 post- Based in Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Units
As a student you will be based within clinical practice for the duration of the programme and will have study leave to attend University. You will rotate through different services within your speciality / service area (where applicable) and undertake block placements outside of your normal place of work, to gain a breadth of experience and skills.
Main duties of the job
Some travel is required so you must have the ability to travel to meet the needs of the role across the trust footprint and when on placement. You could be expected to travel up to 90 minutes each way to placement and work shifts and weekends.
You will need to demonstrate an understanding of mental health healthcare and the role of a Nursing Associate and show evidence of being an effective communicator with the people you care for, their families and carers, as well as your colleagues and superiors.
You will need to be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time, while on the programme, learning the fundamentals of exceptional care and developing your depth of knowledge around important aspects of both physical and mental health. In addition you will be taught many clinical skills which will be required when you become a registered.
In order to apply for the course you will need to have:
1) Maths and English (See acceptable qualifications below)
2) 48 UCAS Points
3) A minimum of 12 months health care experience
About us
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 for you to formally enrol on the course.
The training provider will require evidence of:
Being a full time ordinary** resident in the UK for 3 consecutive years or more prior to the course start date (unless otherwise exempt from this rule - for example you hold refugee status - use the link below to see full list of exemptions)Residency to live and work in the UK for at least 1 year from the apprenticeship start date and must cover the entire course duration including the EPA period.
We advise that you check the UK Govt - Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria for more details on your visa's eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship course prior to applying. Please be advised that Sponsorship cannot be offered for any apprenticeship roles.
*We will use Visa and work history information provided on the application to determine a candidate's eligibility for the funding. Failure to provide the correct information is the responsibility of the candidate. **Residency for the purposes of education does not qualify.
Job description Job responsibilities
The entry criteria for the course are the following qualifications:
Maths & English at:
GCSE English and Maths (grade C or 4 and above) (English Literature is not accepted by the University of Cumbria)
Level 2 Functional skills MathsLevel 2 Functional skills EnglishKey Skills Level 2 application of number or numeracy (Pass)Key Skills Level 2 Communication (Pass)CSE (Grade 1) MathsCSE (Grade 1) EnglishLevel 2 certificates (Grade C or 4 and above)Core maths level 3 (Grade E or above)Pre U Certificate (P3 or above) Freestanding Mathematics - Foundations of Advanced Mathematics (Grade C)
If you do not have maths and English, you will either not be shortlisted and/or you will not be offered an interview. Evidence of all qualifications will be requested and validated, prior to receiving an interview slot.
48 UCAS Points: Have 48 UCAS points such as:A-LevelsDiplomaFoundation degree / DegreeLevel 4 NVQBTEC (Dependant on the level)
If you do not have the above our Universities will accept the following qualifications with 12 months health care experience:
NVQ Level 3 + 12 months care experienceNVQ Level 2 + 12 months care experience (UCLAN only)Care Certificate + 12 months care experience (UCLAN only)
You must either have original certificates for your qualifications needed to meet the entry requirements or awarding body official transcripts.
You must also clearly put Maths, English and other qualifications, with your type/level of qualification, grade and date achieved, on you application form in order to be shortlisted.
All current apprenticeships must be completed in full, including your end point assessment, to enrol onto this Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship.
For internal candidates you will need to have agreement from your manager to apply for this post, which will be verified if successful. As you will be on a Trust secondment contract, in the event of needing to withdraw from the programme. On completion of the course you will be placed into a permanent band 4 Nursing Associate role within the Trust, however this may not be in your current work place.
During training you will be paid a Band 3 and there will be an expectation to work 37.5 hours, covering the shift pattern of the team you are recruited to. If successful in securing a place on the course you WILL NOT be eligible for student finance.
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. Remaining length of visa which covers the duration of the course
2. Minimum 3 years residing in the UK (pre-enrolment onto apprenticeship)
For further information and discussion regarding the role, please contact:
Person Specification
Education/Qualification Essential
GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English (or equivalent CSE / O Level), functional skills or key skills level 2 in Maths and English (must have proof of qualification) Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme and one of the following to demonstrate a minimum of achievement of 48 UCAS points
Knowledge Essential
Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate Understanding of the NMC Code of conduct and how it applies to the Nursing Associate role
Experience Essential
Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team Ability to deal with non-routine 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 Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise Previous experience of working within a health / care setting (minimum of 12 months) relevant to the post you are applying for
Personal Essential
Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
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 Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address Various MH inpatient in Lancashire
Mitton Road
preston
PR5 6AW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)