Apprentice Healthcare Science Assistant - Micro

Wirral; Bromborough; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is advertising an Apprentice Healthcare Science Assistant in Microbiology. The role is 37.5 hours per week, with out-of-hours requirements, nights, and late shifts. Training leads to permanent appointment on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

The post supports Biomedical Scientists in a busy Medical Microbiology department, with duties including sample processing and maintaining analysers, under supervision.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualifications including Maths, English and Sciences.
• NVQ2 Healthcare Science or Level 3 or higher.
• Apprenticeship programme leading to a permanent contract on successful completion.

Responsibilities

• Assist Biomedical Scientists in processing and preparing samples and reagents.
• Maintain analysers and support the Medical Microbiology service.
• Assist in training and supervision of less experienced staff.
• Support a high-quality Medical Microbiology service and SOP adherence.

Skills

Maths

English

Sciences

Education

NVQ2 Healthcare Science or Level 3 or higher

Job description

Apprentice Healthcare Science Assistant - Micro

Band 2

Main area Healthcare Science Assistants Grade Band 2 Contract Permanent: Apprentice healthcare science assistant. Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Out of hours working required, includes late shifts and night working.) Job ref 408-26-677

Site Chester & Wirral Microbiology Service Town Bromborough Salary £18,954 - £25,272 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 08/11/2026 23:59

Job overview

Provide a support role to Biomedical Scientists within the laboratory by processing and preparing samples and reagents and maintaining analysers.

Responsible for supporting Biomedical Scientists within the Laboratory in the provision of a continuous and comprehensive Medical Microbiology Service. The post holder is a member of the Medical Microbiology team who assists the Biomedical Scientists in the performance of their duties. The post holder will perform a variety of technical, clerical and administrative tasks in support of the Medical Microbiology Department.

This vacancy is being advertised as an apprenticeship and as such the salary for the role if reflective of this. Those who currently hold and can evidence the essential qualifications need not apply. Your application will not be shortlisted if you hold the essential qualifications

If you do not hold or cannot evidence English and Maths at level 2 then support will be provided for the successful applicant(s) as part of the Trust’s apprenticeship offer

Whilst this role is being advertised as a permanent position, there is an expectation that the successful applicant must complete all elements of the apprenticeship. Initially, the successful applicant will be placed on a fixed term apprenticeship contract for the duration of the programme. Upon completion of the apprenticeship and providing all additional milestones are met, the successful applicant will be issued a permanent contract.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

To assist the Department in the provision and continual improvement of a high quality Medical Microbiology service for all its users.

To analyse patient specimens in accordance with departmental guidelines.

To maintain high standards of Health & Safety at all times.

To comply with the Trust’s and Department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)and policies.

To assist in the training and supervision of less experienced staff.

Working for our organisation

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral’s only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description for further information about the Apprentice Healthcare Science Assistant - Micro position available at WUTH.

Person specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

• Level 2 qualifications including Maths, English and Sciences.
• NVQ2 Healthcare Science or Level 3 or higher

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly and professionally at all levels
• Relay messages accurately and appropriately
• Good telephone skills
• Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Respond to unexpected changes and adopt a flexible approach
• Demonstrate adaptable and flexible approach in undertaking duties required of the post
• Able to work on late rota weekdays until 1900 hrs,and on weekend rota

Knowledge and Skills

• Commitment to training & quality
• Good Organisational Skills
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Team Worker
• Demonstrates initiative

Other Requirements

• Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust’s Policies

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Information

If the post you are applying for requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, please note that, in line with Trust policy, the cost of submitting and processing the DBS application for successful applicants will be met by the individual.

For substantive employees, the DBS costs are recovered through salary deductions following commencement in post in 3 equal instalments.

For bank workers and individuals appointed to honorary positions that require a DBS check, the cost must be paid in advance via the Trusts payment link before a start date can be confirmed.

Please note that DBS fees and any associated administration charges are subject to periodic review and may change from time to time.

The cost of the DBS check would vary depending on the level required for the role:

The Trust would encourage all post holders who require a DBS for their role to registered with the DBS Update Service. You can find out more information and guidance on how to do this at DBS Update Service - GOV.UK

Please note that it is the responsibility of applicants to assess their own eligibility for apprenticeship opportunities in relation to the role they are applying for. Eligibility is determined by specific residency requirements set by government funding rules and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our organisation cannot guarantee eligibility for all applicants.

UK nationals or individuals with the right of abode typically meet the residency requirement if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least three years prior to the start date of the apprenticeship.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified during the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have the right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for visa sponsorship. Please note that it is the responsibility of applicants to assess their own eligibility for visa sponsorship in relation to the role they are applying for. Our organisation cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles, and eligibility is determined by the UK Home Office’s points-based immigration system on a case-by-case basis. For further information please see: Skilled Worker Visa Eligible Occupations and Codes .

For further details on skilled worker sponsorship, please consult the UK Home Office guidance: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK. Additionally, the New guidance for overseas applicants | NHS Employers provides helpful information on the recruitment process for candidates applying for roles in the UK.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to check that they meet the current English language requirements before submitting an application for a role where they would require a visa application. Full details are available here Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English - GOV.UK

This information does not constitute legal advice, and we strongly recommend seeking independent legal guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.

Safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all unborn babies, children and adults and is signed up to both the Wirral Safeguarding Children's Partnership and the Wirral Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board associated policies and procedures. All Trust staff must be familiar with, and adhere to these procedures. It is the post holders responsibility to attended the Trusts mandatory training Protecting Vulnerable People training, and to follow the relevant Trusts polices and practice guidance.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Name Mr Lee Carter Job title Training Manager Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 0151 678 5111 Additional information

For further information on the apprenticeship programme please speak to a member of the Vocational Development Team on 0151 482 7981