Apprentice Diagnostic Radiographer

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting an Apprentice Radiographer to join the Plain Imaging team at Southmead Hospital. The role combines university study with extensive hands-on workplace learning, delivering X-ray examinations and allied imaging under supervision.

The post is a three-year programme supporting the Diploma Apprenticeship with the University of the West of England, including protected off-the-job study time and education commitments.

Qualifications

• Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
• Level 3 Science Qualification (e.g. A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Psychology, Health & Social Care, or another relevant science subject).
• Experience in a patient/customer focused environment is required.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform supervised Radiographic examinations relevant to training level.
• Rotate through imaging modalities and imaging departments as required.
• Liaise with Radiologists, nurses, porters and other professionals to ensure high quality care.
• Adhere to radiation safety regulations and infection control policies.

Skills

Communication

IT skills

Prioritising workload

Teamwork

Self-directed learning

Education

Grade C/4 in English & Maths

Level 3 Science Qualification

Job description

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Job Overview

The purpose of the Apprentice Radiographer is to complete a 3-year University led training program supported by extensive workplace learning and practice, to qualify as a HCPC Diagnostic Radiographer.

This post is both academic and clinical. During training the Apprentice Radiographer will work predominantly as part of the Radiology workforce at Southmead Hospital Operating Unit, under the supervision of HCPC registered Radiographers to deliver high quality, person centred, and compassionate care to patients.

Apprentices will be workplace based for 80% of their contract hours per week and 20% of their time will be protected for study time off-the-job.

Commitment to the 3-year apprenticeship programme at University of West of England is expected, including mandatory attendance of university teaching sessions, extensive workplace learning and extracurricular study.

The apprenticeship includes a minimum of 20% of your working time dedicated to education, alongside additional study in your own time.

Please note, applicants must meet all apprenticeship eligibility criteria, that can be found at the UWE webpage.

More information about the course can be found here.

Main duties of the job

You will work as part of the Plain Imaging team as an Apprentice Radiographer performing X‑ray examinations and allied imaging investigations under the supervision and guidance of registered radiographers.

As part of the Plain Imaging team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality imaging services to patients and service users across Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring care is professional, compassionate and patient‑centred.

You Will

• Learn to assess, prepare and support patients, obtain consent where appropriate, and undertake radiographic examinations under supervision.
• Work collaboratively with radiologists, nurses, porters and other healthcare professionals to deliver excellent patient care.
• Learn to safely operate a range of imaging equipment and technologies.
• Adhere to radiation protection regulations (IR(ME)R) and infection prevention and control policies to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.

You will be required to fulfil the academic and clinical learning objectives of the three‑year Diagnostic Radiography Degree Apprenticeship at the University of the West of England (UWE).

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

For a detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

• Perform supervised Radiographic examinations relevant to appropriate level of training and experience following well‑established procedures.
• Work within departmental teams with guidance from senior staff.
• Rotate through imaging modalities and imaging departments as required.
• Always maintain the observation and comfort of patients during their waiting, examination and post examination stay in the department. to the highest possible professional standards and always maintain confidentiality
• Handle personal and confidential patient information.
• Liaise with Consultant Radiologists, Departmental Superintendents, Band 5 and 6 Radiographers and peers in scheduling and carrying out appropriate techniques and Radiographic examinations.
• Liaise with Nursing, Clerical and Portering staff within the department and with Nursing, Medical and hospital staff of other wards and departments to ensure a smooth, efficient service to department users.
• Effectively communicate with all users of the service using available means e.g., face to face, written, via the telephone, email, intercom etc.
• Ensure appropriate information is provided for the patient
• Form and maintain good working relationships with all linked professionals and colleagues in the department.
• Ensure any compliments and complaints from any source, are reported immediately to their Line Manager
• Adhere to the Trust and Departmental policies, procedures and guidelines. These will include Health and Safety, Quality Assurance, Infection Control, Data protection, Major Incidents, dress code, sickness absence, punctuality etc.
• Participate in Annual Appraisal reviews with a nominated appraiser.
• Co‑operate fully in the introduction of new technology and of new methods of working as appropriate to the work of a Radiographer.
• Participate in practice education of Radiographic students
• Assist in audit and research.
• Facilitate and undertake teaching and training
• Report all incidents of injury to themselves or patients to a line manager with completion of relevant form.
• Ensure the correct updating of the Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Participate in the provision of the 24‑hour 7 day per week service.
• Comply with Departmental Ionising Radiation Local Rules and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations
• Observe the rules and regulations of their professional bodies. (Society of Radiographers and Health Professional Council).

Person specification

Education And Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent (i.e Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English).
• Level 3 Science Qualification (i.e A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Psychology, Health & Social Care, or another relevant science subject)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Essential criteria

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• Competent in use of computers; IT skills, basic word, email, keyboard skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Must be able to produce work of an accurate and high standard
• Able to complete self‑directed learning

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of Radiation Safety and legislation
• Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and pathology

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of having worked in a patient/customer focused environment
• Must be able to work as a member of a team and work independently
• Experience of time management skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience working within an Imaging Department

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

• As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
• The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff.