Apprentice Public Health Practitioner (Level 6)

Tower Hamlets; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Hamlets Council is offering an apprenticeship to become a Public Health Practitioner, combining study and day-to-day work in the Public Health team. The apprenticeship leads to a Level 6 Public Health BSc and eligibility for UKPHR registration, with one day per week at university.

Start date January 2027 and duration of 36 months. No prior public health experience required, but candidates should show engagement with health topics and the ability to meet essential criteria.

Qualifications

• Good communication, data understanding and community engagement are important.
• The role supports a range of public health functions and engagement activities.
• Apprentices will study toward a Level 6 Public Health BSc and gain professional registration.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of public health projects.
• Engage with communities to support health improvement and health protection activities.
• Work with Tower Hamlets Public Health team and partners to learn and apply public health practice.

Skills

Good communication

Data understanding

Community engagement

Education

BSc Public Health program entry

Job description

About The Role

The successful candidate must be able to start employment/study in early January 2027 due to course start dates.

About the Team:

The Public Health team is a dynamic and collaborative team covering a wide range of functions. Our purpose is to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets residents. We do this through evidence-based decision-making and commissioning of public health projects, programmes and services. Throughout our work, we have a core focus on addressing the wider determinants of health and tackling health inequalities.

Check out our website to learn more about what each of our teams do: Public health

About the Role:

If you’re interested in playing a part in improving the health and wellbeing of local communities and gaining qualifications to support the development of your public health career, then this is the role for you.

Tower Hamlets are offering an exciting apprenticeship combining study and day-to-day working within the Public Health team as a Apprentice Public Health Practitioner. The apprenticeship will lead to a Level 6 degree qualification (Public Health BSc) as well as providing an opportunity for the candidate to pursue a career in Public Health. Upon completion, they will also be eligible to apply for UKPHR Public Health Practitioner registration. Learn more about the registration here Public Health Practitioner - UK Public Health Register

During the apprenticeship, the candidate will work in Tower Hamlet’s Public Health team. They will gain experience of a range of Public Health functions, such as prevention of ill health, health surveillance, and health protection while working with numerous teams. The candidate will support the planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, communication and engagement approaches to public health services, projects and programmes. Good communication, understanding data and the ability to engage with communities will be important skills to help achieve this. Across the three years in the Public Health team, the candidate will be supported to meet the learning objectives required for the Apprenticeship.

The Apprentice will report to a Public Health Officer but will work across the Public Health team and wider teams in the Council and/or health partners as appropriate.

In addition, alongside working in Tower Hamlets teams, the successful candidate is responsible for undertaking and completing a BSc Public Health from a pre-selected university. At least one working day each week will be spent attending in-person University courses and study.

You don'thave to have existing experience of working in public health or in local authorities. However, you should be able to demonstrate how your existing interests, knowledge and experience can be applied to the role of PHP Apprentice.

Please note the eligibility requirements:

• You are not eligible to apply if you already have an undergraduate or Master’s degree.
• Priority will be given to candidates who are residents of Tower Hamlets .
• Priority will be given to candidates who are not currently employed by Tower Hamlets Council.
• You are not eligible to apply if you are currently working towards a professional registration (e.g. UKPHR, UKVRN).
• You must have a right to work and study in the UK and, if applicable, have an appropriate visa that covers the entire period of the contract.
• You must be available for the full duration of the contract period: The contract will start in January 2027 and will be for 36 months.
• Any offer of employment is conditional upon the candidate meeting the UK government entry requirements of apprenticeships and of the eligibility criteria of the chosen University.

To be considered for interview, you must clearly tell us in your CV and supporting statement:

• Your knowledge, interests, and skills you can bring to the role of Public Health Practitioner Apprentice.
• How you meet the Essential criteria in the person specification and job description (these are marked A (tick)) and how you show the Tower Hamlets Core Values and Behaviours
• Your previous professional and academic experience, demonstrating that you meet the minimum educational requirements for the degree course.

• That you are available for an early January 2027 start date and will, if successful, be able to commit to the full duration of the apprenticeship and BSc Public Health qualification of 36 months.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.

You can contact the hiring manager [e-mail] for any further questions.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.