Job overview
Would you like to be paid while you develop your administration skills and gain a qualification whilst working in an NHS setting? If so, this might be just what you are looking for.
We are delighted to offer a Customer Service / Business Admin Apprenticeship in our Ophthalmology Department. The department cares for patients with eye conditions, diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the eyes and visual system, using medical and surgical skills. Our Ophthalmology service provides specialised treatment for the city of Cambridge and a large area surrounding it. It also runs consultant-led Outreach Clinics in both Ely and Saffron Walden.
Main duties of the job
As an Apprentice Receptionist Administrator, you will be the first face visitors to the department will see, providing a friendly welcome on arrival to the clinic whilst checking in and updating patient details. Other duties include booking appointments on the Trust system (EPIC), maintaining medical records, communicating with internal and external colleagues and patients via email, telephone and face to face and supporting the team in completing general administration tasks.
This is an excellent starting opportunity within an administration role for a self-motivated individual who would like pursue a career within the NHS. Youwill have strong organisational skills and have a desire to deliver excellent customer service within their role.
Working for our organisation
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together- safe, kind, excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
The contract length is for 18 months and the apprenticeship salary on commencement is £15,739; after 12 months in post this will increase to the National Minimum Wage (depending upon your age). The Trust is proud of its values of Together – Safe, Kind and Excellent and looks to provide its staff with support, training and progression opportunities; towards the end of your apprenticeship contract you will be supported by the Apprenticeship Team to apply for permanent employment. We have a high percentage of previous apprentices who have successfully gained further employment within the Trust with opportunities to gain higher qualifications.
Come and join us and be supported to earn as you learn whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification. You will study an Intermediate Customer Service/Business Admin Apprenticeship. It is ideal if this type of role is new to you, where you can learn and build new skills. You will need to have minimum GCSE Grade 3/D or Functional Skills Level 1 or above in Maths and English. You will be enthusiastic, have a positive work ethic, be keen to learn and able to work in a team. You will receive support to gain a wide range of experience and skills, supervision and mentoring.
There is no upper age limit on joining us as an apprentice.
Interview date –Wednesday 17th December 2025
We also have apprenticeships in nursing which are subject to different terms. For more information on the Nursing Apprenticeship scheme please check our website http://bit.ly/3Akstsm
NB: Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations applicants must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK resident for the last three years or have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. Applicants must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
Good standard of general education
English and Maths GCSE at Grade 3/D or above or an equivalent level of Literacy and Numeracy skills (if you do not have any qualifications for literacy or numeracy, a test can be taken, so this should not put you off applying)
Must have been EU resident for at least 3 years
Desirable criteria
ICT qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
Experience of prioritising own work
Experience of organisation of work (This can be attained at school, college, through work)
Knowledge
Essential criteria
Ability and interest in working in a patient and customer care focused environment
An understanding of confidentiality
Ability to work in a flexible manner
Desirable criteria
Ability to be flexible and adaptable to demands of the job
Experience of IT software programs
Skills
Essential criteria
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written
Ability to work accurately
Ability to show motivation and punctuality
Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise day to day workloads
Desirable criteria
Ability to touch type
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
Name
Karen Godfrey
Job title
HR Advisor – Apprenticeships
Email address
karen.godfrey2@nhs.net
Telephone number
01223 349385
Additional information
Chelsie Sackett, Directorate Support Manager for Ophthalmology via email to chelsie-anne.sackett@nhs.net