New to Care Healthcare Assistant

NHS; England; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the United Kingdom is seeking enthusiastic individuals to become New to Care Healthcare Assistants. This role offers an 18-month Level 3 apprenticeship, providing valuable experience in a healthcare setting. Candidates should have GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C or above, along with a commitment to learning and providing compassionate care to patients. Flexible working patterns available.

Qualifications

• Ability to overcome communication barriers.
• Experience of working as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support daily living activities while promoting independence.
• Assist with personal hygiene to maintain comfort.
• Contribute to safe moving and handling.
• Carry out basic clinical observations.
• Provide compassionate care to individuals at end of life.

Skills

Communication

Caring and compassionate approach

Teamwork

Commitment to learning

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care

GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C / level 4

Job description

Job Summary

Looking to start a new career in healthcare which will include an 18 month Level 3 apprenticeship as part of the role? Apply now to attend our next Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Assessment Centre! Are you passionate about helping others and ready to take your first step into a rewarding career within the NHS? We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all ages to join us as New to Care Healthcare Assistants. This is an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to begin their journey in healthcare. You’ll gain valuable experience working alongside a supportive and experienced team, developing new skills and knowledge every day. To apply, you’ll need GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade C / level 4 or above. This role could also be the first step towards achieving a nursing registration if that’s your long‑term goal. If you share our passion for delivering outstanding care to patients and their families – and want to be part of a team that consistently strives for excellence – we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals with a genuine desire to learn, grow, and make a difference. Please note: This post is not eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in‑person assessment centre – virtual attendance is not available.

Main Duties

Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital are offering a number of exciting opportunities for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, a caring and compassionate approach, and the ability to communicate effectively – both verbally and in writing. Professionalism, empathy, and a genuine desire to support others are essential qualities for success in this role.

• Support individuals with their daily living activities, including eating and drinking, personal care, and mobility – while promoting independence and dignity.
• Assist with personal hygiene, helping individuals to maintain comfort and confidence.
• Contribute to the safe movement and handling of people, using appropriate equipment to ensure safety and wellbeing at all times.
• Carry out basic clinical observations, including temperature, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, urinary output, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and blood sugar levels.
• Provide compassionate care and support to individuals at the end of life due to life‑limiting conditions.
• Promote physical independence, mental health, and wellbeing, offering brief health advice in line with the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) principles.

About Us

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications. Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.

Our Excellence Values

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

Job Details

Date posted: 06 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 2

Salary: £24,465 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working

Reference number: 264‑7551030‑COR

Job locations: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ

Person Specification

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care
• Maths and English at grade C / level 4 or above.
• Ability to overcome communication barriers.
• Experience of working as part of a team.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care.
• One year experience as a healthcare assistant in a hospital care setting.
• Surgical experience and knowledge of anatomy.

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: Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ

Employer’s website: https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us