Job overview
An Exciting opportunity for existing employees of University Hospital Tees. All applicants for this programme must be working a minimum of 36 hours in an AfC band 3 Clinical Support Worker role (have been a UK resident for 3 years or more) and be available and supported by your Manager to attend the five day Teesside University induction during week commencing 9th March 2026. The Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship is a two-year education programme, working towards becoming a registered Nursing Associate with a foundation degree. The course combines work-based and academic learning between University Hospital Tees and an approved higher education institute (HEI).
The Student Nursing Associate (SNA) will be seconded from their area of employment. The secondment period will be offered at AfC band 3 and upon successful completion of the 2-year programme staff will qualify as a registered Nursing Associate, and be able to apply for / accept an AfC band 4 Nursing Associate position.
The student Nursing Associate will be rostered with in the CSW numbers as a SNA with in their base area. The SNA will gain knowledge and experience from their base area and external placements. To meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements the SNA will be allocated 4 external placements of 8 weeks over the 2 year SNA apprenticeship programme.
Main duties of the job
Successful candidates will be required to attend Teesside University (Darlington campus) one day per week over the 24-month period of the programme to complete a Foundation Degree qualification. The student Nursing Associate will be required to travel to all sites within the trust, as well as some external placement areas. The SNA is unable to claim travel expenses and must arrange their own transport.
Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements detailed in the person specification. The following must be presented prior to interview (date to be confirmed), or the candidates cannot be interviewed:
Upon successful shortlisting you will be required to bring your ID and Qualifications to the Education and Practice Development Team, 2nd floor, The Murray Building, JCUH between the hours of 0900 1530 ext 54062. You will be contacted nearer the time with drop in dates.
Failure to provide valid documentation for programme entry, will result in not being able to proceed with your application and interview.
1. Certified evidence of Maths and English (GCSE C/4+ or functional skills L2).
2. Evidence of photographic identification (passport or driving licence);
3. Proof of address (within 3 months)
4. Written statement of support from your ward / area manager (using downloaded documentation).
5. South tees care certificate
6. 3 Years residency in the UK
Working for our organisation
Leadership and Improvement Training
University Hospital Tees offers leadership and improvement training to all new staff to the Trust; this training programme has been designed to support our leaders in developing their understanding of leadership and management skills. You will be expected to attend the introductory leadership and improvement programmes that the Trust delivers. After you complete this training you will be able to explore further leadership and improvement training opportunities.
Please note this post may close at sufficient applicants
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
8. Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
9. 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
10. Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
11. Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
12. Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
13. Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well-being
Qualifications
Essential criteria
14. GCSEs Grade C/4 and above in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English (must be able to present certificates prior and at interview)
15. Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Employed by University Hospital Tees for a minimum of 12 months
17. Currently working as an AfC Band 3 Healthcare Assistant
18. Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)
It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. We welcome applications from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network; LGBT+ Network; Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions Network, Faith Network, Childless not by Choice Network and the Menopause Support Group.
As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at
Right to Work in the UK
The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK - (.
Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.
Please note that not everyone needs a Skilled Worker visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.
We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - ( and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - (
Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply. If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.
Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.
Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.
Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.