Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust seeks an Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker to learn and support the Cellular Pathology service in a busy hospital setting. You will assist experienced scientists, handle specimens, learn lab skills, and complete a structured Level 3 apprenticeship with supervision and ongoing training.

Full training, a mentor, and a planned 24‑month pathway are provided, with a focus on developing practical laboratory techniques and patient‑focused care within a

Qualifications

• GCSE English at level 4 or above.
• GCSE Maths at level 4 or above.
• Two science-based A levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support Biomedical Scientist staff in day-to-day Histology duties.
• Learn to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Learn and use the Laboratory Information System.
• Undergo induction and complete the Advanced (Level 3) Laboratory Technician Standard Apprenticeship.
• Finish all apprenticeship elements within 24 months.

Skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to work under instruction

Education

GCSE English (Grade 4+)

GCSE Maths (Grade 4+)

2 Science A‑ Levels or Level 3

Job description

Current jobs at Gloucestershire Hospitals

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the county’s largest employer, we are proud to provide high-quality acute, elective, and specialist services to more than 650,000 people across our county. Our care is delivered across Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospital.

With over 9,000 employees representing more than 95 nationalities, bringing together a mix of cultures and experiences to the care that we deliver. Whether you’re beginning your NHS journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We’re investing heavily in innovation, research, and transformation, with more than 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our hospitals.

We take pride in working as one team, driven by a shared ambition to grow, develop, and continually improve. Every contribution is valued and by combining our collective strengths, we support not only our diverse communities but one another. You can expect a warm, supportive culture and colleagues who are passionate about teamwork, professional development and delivering exceptional care. We offer structured development programmes, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help you progress in your career.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, local discounts, access to on-site nurseries, reduced public transport costs, reward and recognition schemes and a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Be part of Gloucestershire Hospitals, explore your future with us today.

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable individual to join our Cellular Pathology team as an Apprentice Biomedical Scientist Support Worker. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a genuine interest in healthcare science who is keen to develop practical skills while working alongside experienced scientists and support staff in a busy acute hospital setting. The successful candidate will be patient-focused, approachable, and willing to learn. Full training, supervision, and support will be provided as part of a structured apprenticeship programme, enabling the post-holder to build confidence, experience, and a strong foundation for a future career in healthcare.

You will need to demonstrate good communication skills, a caring and professional approach, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment. During the apprenticeship, you will develop practical skills in a laboratory environment under the supervision of qualified pathology staff.

This Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and become part of Pathology Services.

This apprenticeship is suitable for anyone with a desire to learn and develop skills with a view to beginning a career in Pathology and gain a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced apprenticeship.

Main duties of the job

To provide support to the Biomedical Scientist staff in the day-to-day provision of the Histology service. This will involve the handling of patient specimens, chemical and reagents.

To learn how to use and maintain equipment

To learn and use the Laboratory Information System

The apprenticeship is suitable for an applicant over 18 years (age restricted due to the working environment).

The successful applicant will receive Induction and training appropriate to the activities he or she will undertake, and following this induction period will be enrolled to the Advanced (Level 3) Laboratory Technician Standard Apprenticeship.

The Apprentice will be expected to complete the elements of the apprenticeship within the 24 months’ timeframe.

The apprenticeship includes

• Competency Evaluation Log
• Functional Skills (Level 2): Maths and English if required
• Health and Safety and Employee rights and responsibilities
• End Point Assessment

Working for our organisation

Join a forward-thinking, compassionate, and high-performing integrated Cellular Pathology Service at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate and skilled individual to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and collaborative environment, while developing a fulfilling career.

As a member of the Pathology team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to the trust and other Healthcare partners.

What sets the service apart is our strong multi-disciplinary team culture and collaborative working with other colleagues. You’ll benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, including access to structured supervision and educational frameworks, and the chance to be involved in innovative service improvement projects that shape the future of care.

By choosing Gloucestershire Hospitals Cellular Pathology Service, you are joining a team that truly values its people. We are proud of our supportive and inclusive culture through our compassionate leadership and our ongoing investment in staff wellbeing and development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This healthcare support worker apprenticeship at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills within an acute healthcare environment and become part of the Cellular Pathology Team. This apprenticeship is suitable for anyone with a desire to learn and develop skills with a view to beginning a career in Pathology and gain a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support. Achieving this diploma will mean meeting requirements which include demonstration of practical skills, techniques and/or knowledge required to perform job role, meeting the apprenticeship standard and successfully completing an End Point Assessment.

Throughout the apprenticeship journey you will:

• be supported in the workplace by a mentor
• have a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job training’ to develop your learning
• be in regular contact with the Training Provider and the Apprenticeships and Careers Team
• have access to a virtual learning platform
• attend workshops where you will have the opportunity to discuss and share

The Apprentice will be expected to complete the apprenticeship within a 24-month timeframe.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to terminate employment if the training requirements as detailed above are not achieved.

Person specification

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade 4 or above English
• GCSE Grade 4 or above Maths
• 2 Science based A levels or equivalent Level 3 Qualification

Experience

• Previous Laboratory Experience

Skills

• Good Organisational skills
• Ability to work under instruction

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

If you require sponsorshipfor a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system