Apprentice Healthcare Science Assistant - Micro

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Nhs Foundation Trust; Wirral; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a trainee to support Biomedical Scientists in a Medical Microbiology setting. You will process samples, prepare reagents and assist in maintaining analysers, under supervision of senior staff.

The role is advertised as an apprenticeship with a permanent contract upon completion, with potential progression within the Trust. English and Maths at level 2 or equivalent are required, with support provided if not yet evidenced.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualifications including Maths, English and Sciences.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally at all levels.
• Commitment to training and quality, with NHS ethos.
• Willingness to work late shifts and weekend rota when required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing a high quality Medical Microbiology service.
• Analyse patient specimens following departmental SOPs.
• Maintain Health & Safety standards at all times.
• Assist in training and supervising less experienced staff.
• Use resources cost effectively and support the Laboratory team.

Skills

Communication skills

Telephone skills

Literacy and numeracy

Team worker

Initiative

Health & Safety awareness

Confidentiality

Education

NVQ2 Healthcare Science or Level 3 or higher

Job description

Job summary

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 is 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

• 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.
• To utilise resources cost effectively.

About us

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.

Details

Band: Band 2

Salary: £18,954 to £25,272 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 408-26-677

Closing date: 08 November 2026

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 2 qualifications including Maths, English and Sciences.
• 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 approachDemonstrate 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
• Commitment to training & quality
• Good Organisational Skills
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Team Worker
• Demonstrates initiative
• Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust's Policies

Desirable

• NVQ2 Healthcare Science or Level 3 or higher

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Contact

For questions about the job, contact: Training Manager, Mr Lee Carter, [e-mail], 01516785111