Level 4 Apprentice Healthcare Scientist

NHS; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Peterborough is seeking a Level 4 Apprentice Healthcare Scientist (Respiratory) for a 27-month apprenticeship. The role involves hands-on clinical experience and protected learning time, with training in various respiratory physiological tests. Candidates should have GCSE English and Maths at level 2, with desirable experience in healthcare. The position offers a pathway to a permanent Band 4 role upon successful completion. Interested individuals can learn more through informal visits.

Qualifications

• Interest in working in a healthcare setting.
• Minimum entry requirements for the Level 4 Healthcare Science apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Join the Respiratory Investigations department as a Level 4 Healthcare Science Apprentice.
• Learn to perform a variety of respiratory physiological tests.
• Carry out calibration and quality control checks on laboratory equipment.

Skills

Good patient communication skills

IT literate

Education

GCSE English & Maths at level 2 or equivalent

Science qualification at level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Level 4 Apprentice Healthcare Scientist (Respiratory) - Peterborough

You will work full time within the Respiratory Investigations service for the duration of the Level 4 apprenticeship (approximately 27 months).

This role combines hands‑on clinical experience with protected learning time. You will receive off‑the‑job training to support completion of e‑learning, assignments and evidence collection with the apprenticeship training provider, alongside supervised on‑the‑job training supporting service delivery.

You will have a minimum of 7 hours per week (pro rata) of protected off‑the‑job training. Depending on your previous qualifications or experience, there may be scope to shorten the overall training period.

Some travel may be required as part of the apprenticeship. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs for required training may be reimbursed in line with Trust policy.

Role progression and pay

This role is aligned to the Level 4 Healthcare Science apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship, pay will be in line with Annex 21 of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will move into a permanent Band 4 role.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Respiratory Investigations department as a Level 4 Healthcare Science Apprentice. During the 27‑month apprenticeship, you will be trained to carry out a wide range of activities within the service. On successful completion of the training programme, including external assessment, you will be eligible for AHCS registration.

You will be trained to perform and contribute to reporting on a variety of respiratory physiological tests, including full pulmonary function testing (spirometry, gas transfer, and lung volumes), oximetry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and field exercise tests. You will also learn how to carry out calibration and quality control checks on laboratory equipment, maintain accurate clinical records, and contribute to team working and service development.

The Respiratory Investigations service operates across Peterborough City Hospital, Doddington Hospital, and Hinchingbrooke Hospital. These posts support service growth and preparation for the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), planned to open in late 2026. The service provides diagnostic testing for inpatients, outpatients, and GP direct access referrals, offering a wide range of respiratory investigations.

You must meet the minimum entry requirements for the Level 4 Healthcare Science apprenticeship. Full training will be provided to ensure all investigations are performed in line with national standards.

About us

We are committed to supporting colleagues through organisational change. Priority will be given to staff at risk within North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board.

Job responsibilities

Your working hours will be between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. You will be expected to work across all sites and will be primarily based at the Community Diagnostic Centre once it opens.

Please see the attached job description which gives full details of the role. Alternatively call to arrange an informal visit to meet the team.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English & Maths at level 2 or equivalent

Desirable

• Science qualification at level 2 or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Interest in working in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• At least 2 years’ experience working within the respiratory or cardiology specialism
• ARTP spirometry certification
• SCST ECG certification
• Knowledge of fundamental cardiorespiratory anatomy and physiology
• Understanding of laboratory maintenance, calibration and quality control
• Experience in working within a clinical healthcare environment

Key Skills

Essential

• Good patient communication skills
• IT literate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offences 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

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Respiratory Investigations, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

Edith Cavell Campus, Bretton Gate,

Peterborough

PE3 9GZ

Employer's website

https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)