Public Health Practitioner Apprentice

Hackney Borough Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackney Council is launching a three-year apprenticeship in Public Health to develop as a practitioner through a blend of academic study and hands-on learning. Placements may occur across Public Health and related teams, with progression workshops and ongoing support.

Successful candidates will register with UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) and study with the University of East London (UEL). Applications close 28 September 2026.

Qualifications

• GCSE grades A*-C / 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 qualification) required.
• At least two A-Levels (or Level 3 qualifications) in any subject.
• If you do not hold a Level 3 qualification, you may be considered with a minimum of 2 years’ demonstrable public health experience.
• To support local career pathways, evidence at least one borough connection: resident, student, former student, or Hackney Leaving Care recipient.

Skills

Commitment to qualification

Passion and enthusiasm

Curiosity and initiative

Reliability

Organisational skills

Service to Hackney residents

Interpersonal relationships

Education

GCSEs A*-C / 4-9

Two A-Levels or Level 3

Job description

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Our Public Health Service is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

The City of London Corporation shares this commitment to community and sustainability. As the governing body of the Square Mile, they play a crucial role in supporting a thriving London and contributing to a flourishing society.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website at https://hackneyjsna.org.uk/ and the services recruitment page at https://recruitment.hackney.gov.uk/the-public-health-team/ .

Hackney Council’s Apprenticeship Programme is designed to create quality opportunities for those with a strong connection to Hackney. All of our programmes combine work and study towards a mandatory recognised qualification. As an apprentice with us, you will receive a competitive salary, holiday entitlement and a package of support.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A commitment to undertake a qualification.
• Passion and enthusiasm.
• Curiosity and a strong sense of initiative.
• Reliability.
• Good organisational skills.
• A desire to deliver a high-quality service to Hackney residents.
• The ability to form good working relationships with others.

To find out more about what it is like to be an apprentice at Hackney Council, check out our Apprentice Blog.

This is an exciting opportunity to become an apprentice in Public Health.

This is a three-year apprenticeship to support the post holder to develop as a public health practitioner, through a combination of academic study and work-based learning. You will earn while you learn and develop to the standard required for registration as a Public Health Practitioner with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR), primarily through placements with the Public Health Team.

As well as working in the Public Health Team, you may undertake a variety of placements with other teams over the three years. Some placements may be compulsory and prioritised by senior management, others will be chosen in discussion between the individual and their supervisor.

Please be aware that this apprenticeship will be delivered in partnership with the University of East London (UEL). Appointment to this role is subject to successful registration and enrolment onto the designated college course commencing in January 2027.

You will also have access to regular apprenticeship development, networking & progression workshops.

To be considered for this post, you must meet all of the essential qualification, experience, and local eligibility criteria outlined below.

Candidates must demonstrate the following entry qualifications:

• A minimum of GCSE grades A* – C / 4 – 9 (or an equivalent Level 2 qualification).
• At least two A-Levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) in any subject.

If you do not hold a Level 3 qualification, your application will still be considered if you have a minimum of 2 years of demonstrable experience working within a public health role.

To support local career pathways, candidates must evidence at least one of the following connections to the borough:

• Current resident of the London Borough of Hackney.
• Current student at a Hackney education institution (school, college, university, Pupil Referral Unit/alternative provision, or adult learning provider).
• Former student at a Hackney secondary school or college who completed at least one GCSE or Level 2 qualification there within the last 8 years.
• Current or former recipient of Hackney Leaving Care services.

You must be able to provide formal documentation (e.g. proof of address, official school/college registration, or certificates) verifying your borough connection and qualifications. Applications without valid evidence cannot be progressed.

Ineligibility notice:

This apprenticeship is an entry-level development pathway designed for individuals who do not already hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. You are not eligible to apply if you already hold a qualification in Public Health (or a closely related field) at Level 6 or higher.

For further information regarding the eligibility criteria or application process, please contact the Apprenticeship Team at [e-mail]

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 28 September 2026 (22.59)

Interview date: TBC

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: [e-mail]