Job Summary
Are you looking to start an exciting and rewarding career as a Nursing Associate and have a passion for delivering high‑quality care within an Inpatient Mental Health service? We are running our 18th cohort of Student Nursing Associate Apprentices, working in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) / The University of Cumbria. These posts are apprenticeship posts commencing on the March 2026 cohort, which will see you develop to a NMC registered Nursing Associate, completing a 2‑year Foundation Degree training programme. The course is fully funded. Internal candidates will be on a 2‑year Trust Secondment contract; external candidates will be on a 2‑year fixed‑term contract.
We are offering posts in the following Mental Health inpatient services within LSCFT; please indicate your preference in your supporting information.
* Mental Health Inpatient Wards, Royal Blackburn Hospital
* Woodview Mental Health Inpatient Wards, Whalley
Main duties of the job
As a student you will be based within clinical practice for the duration of the programme and will have study leave to attend university. You will rotate through different services within your speciality/service area (where applicable) and undertake block placements outside of your normal place of work, to gain a breadth of experience and skills. Some travel is required; you must either be a car driver or be prepared to access public transport when on placement. You could be expected to travel up to 90 minutes each way to placement and work shifts and weekends.
You will need to demonstrate an understanding of mental health healthcare and the role of a Nursing Associate, and show evidence of being an effective communicator with the people you care for, their families and carers, as well as your colleagues and superiors. You will be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time while on the programme; learning the fundamentals of exceptional care and developing your depth of knowledge around important aspects of both physical and mental health. In addition you will be taught many clinical skills which will be required when you become a registered Nursing Associate.
About Us
Please be advised if you are a 'Non‑UK National' applicant you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the settlement requirements of the apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified as eligible for funding by the relevant apprenticeship provider for you to formally enrol on the course. The training provider will require evidence of:
* Being a full‑time ordinary resident in the UK for 3 consecutive years or more prior to the course start date (unless exempt – for example you hold refugee status). Residency to live and work in the UK for at least 1 year from the apprenticeship start date and must cover the entire course duration including the EPA period.
* Visa and work history information provided on the application to determine a candidate's eligibility for the funding. Failure to provide the correct information is the responsibility of the candidate. Residency for the purposes of education does not qualify.
We advise that you check the UK Government – Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria for more details on your visa’s eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship course prior to applying. Please be advised that sponsorship cannot be offered for any apprenticeship roles.
Details
Date posted: 22 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year (subject to confirmation)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 24 months
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 351‑APP‑E‑CS2792‑TG
Job locations:
* Various Pennine MH inpatient units, Blackburn and Whalley, BB2 3HH
Job responsibilities and entry criteria
To apply for the course you will need to have:
* Maths and English (see acceptable qualifications below)
* 48 UCAS Points
* 12 months healthcare experience
The entry criteria for the course are the following qualifications:
* GCSE English and Maths (grade C or 4 and above; English Literature is not accepted by the University of Cumbria)
* Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
* Level 2 Functional Skills English
* Key Skills Level 2 application of number or numeracy (Pass)
* Key Skills Level 2 Communication (Pass)
* CSE (Grade 1) Maths
* CSE (Grade 1) English
* Level 2 certificates (Grade C or 4 and above)
* Core maths level 3 (Grade E or above)
* Pre‑U Certificate (P3 or above)
* Freestanding Mathematics – Foundations of Advanced Mathematics (Grade C)
If you do not have maths and English or original certificates, you will either not be shortlisted or will not be offered an interview. These will be required and validated prior to receiving an interview slot.
Applicants must have the original certificates for maths, English and any qualifications needed to meet the entry requirements. Transcripts will not be accepted. You must also clearly include maths, English and other qualifications, with your type/level of qualification, grade and date achieved, on your application form in order to be shortlisted.
Anyone currently concluding a healthcare apprenticeship must ensure this is completed in full, including your end‑point assessment, to enrol onto this Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship.
For internal candidates you will need agreement from your manager to apply for this post. As you will be on a Trust secondment contract, you must be aware that the programme may be withdrawn.
On successful completion of the course you will be placed into a permanent band 4 Nursing Associate role within the Trust, although this may not be in your current workplace and is subject to organisational needs. You will not be eligible for student finance. During training you will be paid a Band 3 and expected to work 37.5 hours.
Those with previous NHS service may be eligible for provision of basic pay preservation as outlined in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service (TCS) Handbook. Eligibility will be assessed on an individual basis.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications (Essential)
* GCSEs Grade A‑C in Maths and English (or equivalent CSE/O Level), functional skills or key skills level 2 in Maths and English (must have proof of qualification)
* Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme and one of the following to demonstrate a minimum of achievement of 48 UCAS points
Knowledge (Essential)
* Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
* Understanding of the NMC Code of conduct and how it applies to the Nursing Associate role
Experience (Essential)
* Previous experience of working within a health/care setting (minimum of 12 months) relevant to the post you are applying for
* Ability to deal with non‑routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
* Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
* Evidence of time‑management skills and ability to prioritise
Personal Attributes (Essential)
* Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
* Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer Details
Employer name: Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Various Pennine MH inpatient units, Blackburn and Whalley, BB2 3HH
Employer website: https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/
Application
To apply, please submit your application through our online portal and include all the required documentation as outlined in the entry criteria. For internal candidates, ensure you have obtained manager approval before submitting.
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