Job overview
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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.
What qualifications do you need for this Apprenticeship role?
* Essential:
o GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language
o OR New GCSE Grade 4–9 in Maths and English Language
o OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English (not Entry Level 2)
* Important: Educational certificates must be shown at interview. Transcripts or provisional statements of results will not be accepted.
* If you have already achieved a Level 4 qualification, you must provide copies of certificates at interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed after 27th November 2025.
In person assessment centre expected to be on or around 4th and 5th December.
Main duties of the job
The Nursing Associate role bridges the gap between a support worker and a Registered Nurse, creating a skilled workforce for future healthcare.
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 neighboring organizations 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)
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.
Working for our organisation
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. Were really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure were a great place to work.
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. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Eligibility for 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 – your visa must cover the entire length of the course.
* Residency – you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to enrolment.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship in certain circumstances. For more details, please refer to:
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language / New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2)
* Commit to completing the Foundation Degree Apprenticeship programme
Desirable criteria
* Holds NVQ level 2 in Care or care certificate
* Completion of an HCA development programme or Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning
* Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience
Experience
Desirable criteria
* Essential induction training and experience – care certificate or equivalent in a previous organisation
* Previous experience of working within a health / care setting
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
* Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
* Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
* Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
* Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well being (Making Every Contact Count)
Desirable criteria
* Understanding of evidence based practice
* Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance nutritional requirements etc.
* Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level
* Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multidisciplinary team
* Intermediate IT skills
* Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
* Caring and compassionate
* Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
* Ability to deal with nonroutine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
* Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
* Ability to work on own initiative
* Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 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 role and requirements on the
📬 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.
✅ 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
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 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.
📣 Additional Information -
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.
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.
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.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.