Healthcare Support Worker – Aspiring Nurse Training – Welsh Essential
Aspiring Nurse Programme - August 2026 Intake
Train to Become a Registered Nurse - While Earning and Learning in Powys
Following the success of our Award-Winning Aspiring Nurse Programme, Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) is proud to offer this unique opportunity once again. If you've dreamed of becoming a nurse but thought the financial or geographical barriers made it impossible – this is your chance to make it a reality.
We are committed to growing our own future nursing workforce, and that means investing in people like you. Whether your passion lies in Adult Nursing or Mental Health Nursing, this programme gives you the chance to gain your nursing degree without leaving Powys – and without any tuition fees.
What We're Offering
* A fully funded 3‑year nursing degree with our academic partners in Wales
* Full‑time employment as a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) while you study
* A full salary during your studies – earn while you learn
* Local placements across Powys – no need to relocate
* A guaranteed Registered Nurse role with PTHB after successful graduation
* Ongoing support and professional development throughout and beyond your training
* The ability to speak Welsh to level 3 or higher on the NHS Wales Welsh Language skills matrix is an essential requirement for this role. Candidates not meeting this requirement will not be considered for this vacancy.
Main duties of the job
Programme structure
Year 1
* 1 day/week of online academic study with Llandrillo College
* 4 days/week working as an HCSW in a Powys clinical setting
* Following successful completion of year 1 study and gaining the necessary literacy and numeracy standard (GCSE A‑C, or equivalent)
Years 2 & 3
* Full‑time academic study through distance learning with a Welsh university partner
* Clinical placements across Powys
* This structure allows you to build essential skills in real‑world healthcare environments, while progressively moving towards full professional nurse registration.
Who can apply?
* Live within Powys or on its borders
* Have a genuine desire to become a Registered Nurse
* Are ready to fully commit to the academic and practical elements of the programme
* Are excited to make a difference in their local community
What's expected from you
* Full commitment to all elements of the 3‑year academic and clinical programme
* A willingness to remain with PTHB as a qualified nurse for at least 2 years post‑registration
* Passion, dedication, and a desire to grow in a supportive NHS environment
* Make your dream become a reality and take the first step towards your nursing career today
Interview & Assessment Centres: Week commencing 23 June 2026
About us
Being the smallest Health Board in Wales means that you won’t get lost in the crowd. Everybody at Powys Teaching Health Board is valued for the contribution they make to our varied and diverse portfolio of community‑based services. Together, we can continue to make a real difference to our patients and build on our unrivalled reputation.
As a supportive and progressive employer, we actively encourage you to carve out a career with us, through a range of development pathways. We’re also lucky to be situated in one of the most beautiful rural counties in Britain – and Wales! Achieving a healthy life‑work balance is essential, and something we recognise by prioritising your well‑being.
To start your journey with us, and to learn more about what we can offer you, please visit https://pthb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/.
Job description
This is recruitment specifically for Aspiring Nurse Training roles in partnership with our Education providers in Wales through Distance Learning.
Your duties as a HCSW are detailed in the attached Job Description. As an Aspiring Nurse, you will be expected to commit fully to the academic program of learning and undertake all requirements of the course.
There are roles available within Adult nursing and Mental Health nursing and you will be expected to have researched the difference between these roles, and arrive at the selection process knowing which pathway you have chosen. More details at the link below;
Adult nursing, children's nursing, learning disability nursing and mental health nursing: what are the differences? – HEIW
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
* Level 3 qualification in a health care related subject OR equivalent experience and evidence of work‑based competency demonstrating theoretical knowledge, and the ability to undertake clinical care duties relevant for the role gained through experience and work‑based training/short courses
* Knowledge of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales and All Wales Delegation Guidelines (HEIW)
* Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures within a healthcare setting e.g. principles of safeguarding adults/children to keep patients within their care safe, and confidentiality e.g. GDPR
Desirable
* Numeracy and literacy, equivalent to GCSE grade A‑C
Experience
Essential
* Experience of working within a relevant health or social care environment, providing direct patient care
Desirable
* Experience of working with patient groups relevant to area of practice
* Experience of working within the NHS
Skills and Other
Essential
* Good communication skills – verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and sensitively
* Ability to use technology to undertake the role e.g. Microsoft Office, virtual platforms such as TEAMS
* Physically able to carry out the duties of the role, including lifting, assisting with mobility, and performing other manual tasks
* Ability to work a range of shift patterns
* The ability to speak/read/write Welsh to Level 5 or higher on the NHS Wales Welsh language skills matrix
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found for criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
Powys Teaching Health Board
Address
Powys
Hafren Ward
Powys
LD3 0LY
United Kingdom
Senior HR Manager, Resourcing and Operations
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