Community Podiatrist Apprentice

Integrated Care System; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An Integrated Care System in Birkenhead seeks a Community Podiatrist Apprentice to join their team. This three-year apprenticeship, funded by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, involves training at Salford University alongside experienced podiatrists. The role includes clinical placements and working within multidisciplinary teams, with responsibilities increasing throughout the program. Candidates must meet specific educational criteria and demonstrate communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills to excel in this rewarding career path.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have an understanding of Podiatry.
• Experience of interacting with the public in various settings is essential.
• Basic educational level in Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent) is required.

Responsibilities

• Complete a BSc (Hons) Podiatry level 6 apprenticeship.
• Provide high standards of clinical care and manage a caseload under supervision.
• Assess and develop care programmes for patients with diverse clinical needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

3 GCSE passes at grade C or 4 and above

112 UCAS points from A levels

Job description

Go back Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

Community Podiatrist Apprentice

The closing date is 03 August 2025

Are you interested in training as a Podiatrist?

Would you like to undertake an apprenticeship programme in the North West supported by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC)?

The successful candidate will work as an apprentice Podiatrist within our community Podiatry team and Wirral University Teaching Hospitals Diabetic Foot Clinic, alongside the registered workforce whilst they train to be a Podiatrist. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams across both trusts, gathering a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way.

The Registered Podiatrist degree apprenticeship programme is carried out over 3-years and will be delivered by Salford University of which the cost will be funded by the Trust. You will study alongside other Podiatry apprentices from other Trusts in the North West and the part time programme will allow you more time to manage work, personal life and apply your learning to your role. The course is due to start in September 2025.

Hear what our current and previous successful candidates have to say:

"I found this opportunity to be very fulfilling, with an amazing support system along the way."

"It was great being able to gain a vast experience of Podiatry whilst training, it really allowed me to link theory with practice."

"Being able to earn and learn at the same time was great as I was still able to support my family whilst developing my own career path."

Main duties of the job

The successful Candidate will:

• be a trainee in Podiatry and will complete a BSc (Hons) Podiatry level 6 apprenticeship which will encompass teaching blocks at University, clinical placements and in the workplace. Become part of a highly motivated team, yet work as an autonomous practitioner without direct reference to a line manager or professional colleagues in both community and acute settings on completion of the programme.
• continually develop their skills and ability as they progress through the degree programme so that on completion they can manage and be responsible for a caseload, with supervision from a senior podiatrist/fieldwork educator.
• provide a high standard of clinical care.
• have a level of responsibility under the duties outlined in this job description which will increase throughout the employee's time on the degree programme.
• assess, diagnose, develop and implement individual care programmes for patients with a wide variety of clinical needs, including acute or chronic neuropathies, chronic diseases such as diabetes and connective tissue disorders, vascular problems, wound management and biomechanical conditions.
• need to be able to drive and have access to a suitable vehicle for work purposes

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will move to a permanent band 5 Community Podiatrist position in the Trust.

About us

Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:

Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:

• Have an understanding of Podiatry
• 3 GCSE passes at grade C or grade 4 and above including Mathematics, English language/Literature and a science subject. Alternative and equivalent Maths and English qualifications will be accepted.

meet first (undergraduate) degree course eligibility criteria as agreed between the University and Trust, for example:

• 112 UCAS points from 3 A levels (including either a natural science subject such as biology or chemistry or a social science).
• 112 UCAS points from BTEC National Diploma (Health and Social care).
• Access - approved access to HE Diploma (QAA recognised access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or other science based course).

The requirements of the University and the funding do require that you are in possession of the original certificates for your English and Maths and also those certificates that you are using for evidence to meet the entry criteria.

Job summary

Are you interested in training as a Podiatrist?

Would you like to undertake an apprenticeship programme in the North West supported by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC)?

The successful candidate will work as an apprentice Podiatrist within our community Podiatry team and Wirral University Teaching Hospitals Diabetic Foot Clinic, alongside the registered workforce whilst they train to be a Podiatrist. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams across both trusts, gathering a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way.

The Registered Podiatrist degree apprenticeship programme is carried out over 3-years and will be delivered by Salford University of which the cost will be funded by the Trust. You will study alongside other Podiatry apprentices from other Trusts in the North West and the part time programme will allow you more time to manage work, personal life and apply your learning to your role. The course is due to start in September 2025.

Hear what our current and previous successful candidates have to say:

"I found this opportunity to be very fulfilling, with an amazing support system along the way."

"It was great being able to gain a vast experience of Podiatry whilst training, it really allowed me to link theory with practice."

"Being able to earn and learn at the same time was great as I was still able to support my family whilst developing my own career path."

Main duties of the job

The successful Candidate will:

• be a trainee in Podiatry and will complete a BSc (Hons) Podiatry level 6 apprenticeship which will encompass teaching blocks at University, clinical placements and in the workplace. Become part of a highly motivated team, yet work as an autonomous practitioner without direct reference to a line manager or professional colleagues in both community and acute settings on completion of the programme.
• continually develop their skills and ability as they progress through the degree programme so that on completion they can manage and be responsible for a caseload, with supervision from a senior podiatrist/fieldwork educator.
• provide a high standard of clinical care.
• have a level of responsibility under the duties outlined in this job description which will increase throughout the employee's time on the degree programme.
• assess, diagnose, develop and implement individual care programmes for patients with a wide variety of clinical needs, including acute or chronic neuropathies, chronic diseases such as diabetes and connective tissue disorders, vascular problems, wound management and biomechanical conditions.
• need to be able to drive and have access to a suitable vehicle for work purposes

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will move to a permanent band 5 Community Podiatrist position in the Trust.

About us

Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:

Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:

• Have an understanding of Podiatry
• Any relevant experience
• 3 GCSE passes at grade C or grade 4 and above including Mathematics, English language/Literature and a science subject. Alternative and equivalent Maths and English qualifications will be accepted.

meet first (undergraduate) degree course eligibility criteria as agreed between the University and Trust, for example:

• 112 UCAS points from 3 A levels (including either a natural science subject such as biology or chemistry or a social science).
• 112 UCAS points from BTEC National Diploma (Health and Social care).
• Access - approved access to HE Diploma (QAA recognised access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or other science based course).
• First degree.

The requirements of the University and the funding do require that you are in possession of the original certificates for your English and Maths and also those certificates that you are using for evidence to meet the entry criteria.

Interviews for this post will take place on 6 August at St Catherine's Health Centre, Birkenhead.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for the main duties and responsibilities associated with this role.

Please use the supporting information section in the application form to answer the following 5 questions, to evidence why you feel you are suitable for this opportunity:

Why do you want to be a Podiatrist?

Describe your experience working in health and care.

Completing a Registered Podiatrist Degree Apprenticeship is a significant commitment of time and energy. What support do you have to take on this, and how do you see managing your time during your study to become a Podiatrist?

How do you meet the Trust values?

How have you demonstrated your on-going commitment to your continued professional development over the last couple of years?

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information about this opportunity.

The trust acknowledges and supports the statements laid down by the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The postholder will be professionally accountable to the HCPC and accountable contractually to their employer and to the law of their actions.

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

• Basic level of education in Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent)
• To meet first degree course eligibility criteria as agreed between the University and Trust
• Ability to undertake relevant foot care qualification where required

Desirable

• NVQ level 3 in foot care, equivalent qualification or equivalent relevant experience

Experience and knowledge

Essential

• Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds and in different settings. Clinical experience gained as an undergraduate throughout the programme and then as a post graduate clinician
• Ability to evidence/demonstrate key values and behaviours in line with the trust framework. Maintain a portfolio of continued professional development

Desirable

• Experience as a therapy assistant or healthcare support worker or equivalent in hospital or community to develop broad clinical experience gained in an NHS podiatry setting

Skills and attributes

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage own time and determine priorities
• Highly developed organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to unpredictable caseloads
• Computer literate
• Problem solving and clinical reasoning skills

Personal qualities

Essential

• Have a flexible approach to work
• Punctuality and reliability
• Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner as well as part of a team
• Ability to empathise with others
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn
• Have access to vehicle for work purposes
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary), including clearance on blood borne viruses in compliance with Trust Policy.

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 details

Employer name

Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. Catherines Health Centre

Derby Road

Birkenhead

CH42 0LQ

Employer's website

https://www.wchc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearper annum pro rata. AfC Apprentice scale (Annex 21)