Student Nursing Associate Apprentice (formerly TNA)

Student Nursing Associate Apprentice (formerly TNA)

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you looking to start an exciting and rewarding career as a Nursing Associate with a passion for delivering high-quality care in a Mental Health Inpatient service?

We are running our 17th cohort of Student Nursing Associate Apprentices (formerly TNA), in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) / The University of Cumbria.

This apprenticeship post begins with the September 2025 cohort, leading to a NMC registered Nursing Associate after completing a 2-year foundation degree training program. The course is fully funded.

Internal candidates will be on a 2-year Trust Secondment contract. External candidates will be on a 2-year fixed-term contract.

We offer posts across various Mental Health inpatient services in LSCFT. Please indicate your preferences in your supporting information, as listed below:

• Royal Blackburn Mental Health Inpatient Wards - Blackburn
• Woodview Mental Health Inpatient Wards - Whalley
• Ormskirk Hospital - Mental Health Inpatient Wards
• Chorley Hospital - Mental Health Inpatient Wards
• Skylark Inpatient Mental Health Unit - Preston

Main duties of the job

As a trainee, you will be based in clinical practice throughout the program, with study leave to attend university. You will rotate through different services and undertake block placements outside your usual work area to gain diverse experience and skills.

Some travel is required; you must be a driver or able to access public transport when on placement. Travel times may be up to 90 minutes each way, including shifts and weekends.

You should demonstrate understanding of Mental Health care and the Nursing Associate role, effective communication skills with patients, families, colleagues, and supervisors.

You will need to work hard, study independently, and learn clinical skills necessary for your future role as a registered Nursing Associate.

Interviews will be held in Preston on the 7th & 8th May.

About us

If you are a 'Non-UK National', you must meet eligibility and settlement requirements for apprenticeship funding. Your eligibility will be verified by the apprenticeship provider before enrolment.

The provider requires evidence of:

• Having been a full-time resident in the UK for 3+ consecutive years prior to the course (with exemptions, e.g., refugee status).
• Residency in the UK for at least 1 year during the course, including the EPA period.

Check the UK Govt - Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria for visa eligibility. Sponsorship cannot be offered for apprenticeship roles.

*We will verify your visa and work history for funding eligibility. Providing incorrect information is your responsibility. Residency for education purposes does not qualify.

Job responsibilities

To apply, you need:

• Maths and English qualifications (see acceptable qualifications below)
• 48 UCAS Points
• 12 months healthcare experience

Entry qualifications include:

• GCSE English and Maths (grade C/4 or above), functional skills, or key skills level 2 in Maths and English

If you lack these certificates, you may not be shortlisted or offered an interview. Certificates must be validated before interview.

UCAS Points can be from: A-Levels, Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, NVQ Level 4, BTEC Level 3, etc. Alternatively, qualifications accepted with 12 months healthcare experience include NVQ Level 3, NVQ Level 2, or Care Certificate plus experience.

Original certificates are required. Include details of your qualifications, levels, grades, and dates on your application.

All current apprenticeships must be completed, including the EPA, to enroll in this program.

Internal candidates need managerial approval to apply, verified if successful. As a Trust secondment, withdrawal from the program may be necessary.

Post-completion, a permanent Band 4 Nursing Associate role is offered, possibly outside your current location, based on organizational needs.

During training, you will be paid Band 3 and work 37.5 hours/week.

If accepted, you will not be eligible for student finance.

Previous NHS service may qualify for pay preservation; eligibility is individual. Further info is available on NHS Employers.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSEs Grade A-C or equivalent in Maths and English, or Level 2 functional/key skills with proof.
• Ability to study at Level 5 (Foundation Degree level) and achieve at least 48 UCAS points.

Knowledge

• Self-evaluation and development awareness.
• Understanding of the NMC Code of Conduct and its application to Nursing Associates.

Experience

• At least 12 months' relevant healthcare experience.
• Ability to handle unpredictable workloads and patient contact.
• Effective team working and time management skills.

Personal

• Courteous, respectful, helpful.
• Willingness to work across sites as needed.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Employer name

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Various Mental Health inpatient services across Lancashire

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

351-E-APP-CS2737-CS-LMHIP

Job locations

Various Mental Health inpatient services across Lancashire