Go back North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Apprentice Physiotherapist
The closing date is 10 May 2026
Salary (AFC Band 5 Annex 21 - 2026/27):
* Year 1: 65% of top Band 5 – £25,377.95
* Year 2: 70% – £27,330.10
* Year 3: 75% – £29,282.25
Kick‑start your physiotherapy career with a rare opportunity to train while you work. We are looking for motivated individuals ready to take their first step toward becoming qualified physiotherapists. As a Physiotherapy Degree Apprentice with NCIC, you will learn in a supportive environment, working with people of all ages and across a wide range of specialties.
This three‑year programme combines:
* 20% academic study at University of Lancashire
* 20% clinical placement
* 60% workplace learning
You will perform all elements of the role as a learner under direct or indirect supervision from registered practitioners, giving you practical experience alongside your studies. On successful completion, you can apply for HCPC registration as a physiotherapist.
We currently have two posts available:
* Acute Physiotherapy Team, West Cumbria Hospital, Whitehaven
* Integrated Musculoskeletal Team, West Cumbria
You must be able to travel across NCIC sites and to University of Lancashire in Preston.
To meet the criteria for apprenticeship funding you must have been a UK resident for a minimum of three years and be eligible to stay in the UK for the duration of the three‑year apprenticeship.
As part of the clinical role and placements this may include community work.
The interviews will be held on 20 May 2026, and no other date will be offered.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
* Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care as part of the multidisciplinary team.
* Have the knowledge to interpret information and be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcome.
* Contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment.
* Work within a wide variety of clinical environments.
* Practice in accordance with NCIC policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.
* Commit to undertake the formal education of the course and successfully complete all components of the training programme within the contract period.
The acute and IMSK physiotherapy services work closely with medical, nursing and other allied health professionals both within the acute and community settings, to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation and assist in a smooth transition between acute and community care.
Our aim is to promote and facilitate an optimum return to function for all patients referred to the service and proactively manage safe and appropriate discharges with the multidisciplinary team.
About us
At NCIC we aim to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and offers a wide range of community and acute services throughout the county.
Our five key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of safe, high‑quality care every time:
* Being a clinically‑led organisation
* Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
* A positive patient experience every time
* A great place to work
* Managing our money well
We support a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and strive to be an inclusive and compassionate place to work.
Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* GCSE (or equivalent) maths and English at Functional Skills level 2 or GCSE grade 4 (previously C)
* UCAS 126 points at A2 (ABB) including one science; biology/human biology preferred, psychology, sociology and PE acceptable
* Access – Access to HE Diploma from a QAA‑recognised Access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or another science‑based course. Usually 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3, with at least 30 credits graded at distinction level.
* A previous degree in a related natural or social science subject
* Open University study in natural or social sciences, e.g., foundation course
* Professional qualifications at level 5 diploma or above in a related area
* Level 3 apprenticeship in health and social care
* BTEC National Diploma DDM in a relevant subject
* Irish Leaving Certificate AA ABB including biology
* International Baccalaureate 34 points
* If English is not first language, IELTS 7 with no element below 6.5 in addition to other entry requirements
* Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) new or existing level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, foundation degrees, certificate HE or diploma HE
* Applications from individuals with non‑standard qualification, relevant work or life experience and who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree‑level study are welcome. If you have not studied in the last three years you may need to undertake some study prior to application.
Experience
* Working with people where enabling and motivating skills are evident
* Working within a team
* Supervisory experience
* Experience working as a therapy assistant within an NHS service
* Working with people with physical needs
* Experience of NHS health care work
Knowledge
* Underpinning theoretical knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology
* Knowledge of the multi‑disciplinary team roles
* Wider health issues and role of NHS
Skills and Aptitudes
* Good communication skills, particularly verbal
* Able to prioritise and work under pressure
* Happy to work in acute hospital and community environments
* Able to work under own initiative when required
* Knows own limitations
* Able to motivate others
* Possesses compassionate values and behaviours needed for dignified care
Personal Circumstances
* Commitment to continuous personal development / further learning
* Able to work flexibly
Other requirements
* Ability to travel independently between sites in North Cumbria and attend University of Lancashire
* Act in ways that support equality and value diversity
* Able to participate in visits to patients’ homes as required
* UK resident for at least 3 years and eligible to stay in the UK for the 3‑year apprenticeship period
* Driving licence
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be made to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Salary and benefits
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year, per annum pro rata.
Benefits include:
* 27‑day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
* NHS discounts*
* Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*
* Vivup – a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work‑related problems
*Subject to eligibility
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