Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker

NHS Jobs; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for an Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker within the Cellular Pathology team. The role offers full training, supervision, and a structured 24-month pathway to a Level 3 Healthcare Support Diploma.

You will work alongside qualified staff, handling specimens and learning laboratory processes in a fast-paced hospital setting. As part of the apprenticeship, you will develop practical skills in histology and gain experience across

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
• 2 Science-based A levels or equivalent Level 3 Qualification.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to Biomedical Scientist staff in day-to-day Histology service tasks.
• Learn how to use and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Learn and use Laboratory Information System.
• Complete apprenticeship elements within 24 months, with supervision and mentoring.
• Participate in End Point Assessment and competency evaluations.

Skills

Good Organisational skills

Ability to work under instruction

Education

GCSE English (4+)

GCSE Maths (4+)

2 Science A levels or Level 3

Job description

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker

The closing date is 30 September 2026

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

About us

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.

Job 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

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 name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust