Nursing Associate

PENNINE CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ashton-under-Lyne is offering a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship leading to a Foundation Degree. This program combines hands-on clinical experience with academic learning, providing a pathway into a nursing career. Candidates should have GCSEs in Maths and English and a commitment to study. The role requires participation in various clinical placements and development of IT skills.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate the ability to study at Diploma level.
• Healthcare experience is an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in clinical placements with rotations within the Trust.
• Undertake academic learning through the University of Salford.

Skills

Intermediate IT skills

Education

GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Looking to start your career in Nursing? We provide resources to help you apply and prepare for your SNA interview. Please complete this short form to access these support materials.

Apprenticeship Programme

The Apprenticeship programme leads to a Foundation Degree as a Nursing Associate, with tuition fees fully funded. This programme combines academic learning with hands‑on experience across physical, psychological, and public health care—from pre‑conception to end of life. All successful clinical candidates will be employed on a fixed‑term contract for 25 months. The Nursing Associate role bridges the gap between a support worker and Nurse, creating a skilled workforce for future healthcare.

Placement Schedule

The programme includes multiple clinical placements, such as:

• Adult, Mental Health, Child, and Learning Disability
• Care at home, close to home, and within hospital settings

The programme starts on 9 March 2026. SNAs will rotate through placements within Pennine Care and may need to undertake placements in neighbouring organisations to gain experience in areas such as adult physical health. Academic learning will be delivered by the University of Salford.

Time Commitment

• 80% clinical work
• 20% academic study (one day per week, block release, or a mix of both)

Benefits

We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester – Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop. Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services.

Sponsorship Information

We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and requirements on the government website.

Application Process

1. After you apply – Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
2. If you’re offered the role – If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email.
3. Pre‑Employment Checks – To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre‑employment checks in line with NHS Employment Check Standards. These include identity verification, right to work check, DBS, criminal record check, professional registration and/or qualification check, occupational health assessment, employment history and reference validation.
4. Once checks are complete – The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.

Equal Opportunity and EDI

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve. All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post.

Disability Confident Scheme

If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.

Qualifications

• GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language or New GCSE Grade 4‑9 in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English (not Entry Level 2). Educational certificates must be shown at interview.
• You must demonstrate the ability to study at Diploma level and commit to completing a Foundation Degree Apprenticeship.
• Healthcare experience is an advantage but not essential.
• Intermediate IT skills are required.
• All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post.

Visa and Settlement (Non‑UK Nationals)

If you are a Non‑UK National applicant, you must meet the eligibility criteria and settlement requirements for apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified by the apprenticeship provider before you can formally enrol. The training provider will require evidence of visa duration and residency.