Apprentice Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Introduction

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.  As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients.

About the Employer

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

What You'll Do

The Apprentice Senior Healthcare Support Worker is a core member of the team delivering direct care to patients and supporting registered practitioners to deliver high-quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.

Working as a Healthcare Support Worker, you will be involved with direct patient care whilst maintaining the privacy and dignity of patients.

You will be working alongside a Registered Nurse to provide essential nursing care and helping your patients with daily living tasks such as:

• Helping patients feel comfortable and move around
• Monitoring patients and performing basic health checks
• Washing, dressing patients and helping them go to the toilet
• Serving meals and helping to feed patients
• Documenting care provided to a high standard

Once progressed into a Senior HCW (Band 3) role, you will carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal/ no supervision, including, for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples/faecal samples/sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on the area of work.

This apprenticeship training position will allow you to develop knowledge and skills specific to your needs and your working area. As well as achieving a Level 3 Healthcare qualification, during your programme you will also be supported to obtain your Care Certificate, if not previously completed. 

Training Outcome

• The ‘Apprentice Senior Healthcare Support Worker’ training role supports ‘new to care’ candidates developing into a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker role
• On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you could progress onto higher level apprenticeship opportunities, including the Student Nursing Associate or 4-year Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - Maths & English - 4
• Desired - NVQ Level 2 or equivalent - Health & Social Care - Pass

Course Information

Course: Senior healthcare support worker (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Shift patterns across the weeks which may include evenings, nights and weekends. Exact days and shifts to be confirmed.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Number of Positions Available: 5

Training Provider: SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.