Job summary
Have you just completed your exams? Are you interested in starting a science apprenticeship? Would you like to be paid to develop your skills and gain a science qualification whilst working in an NHS setting? If you are enthusiastic and motivated to do well, this might be just what you are looking for!
We are delighted to offer entry level Healthcare Science Apprenticeships across our Pathology Directorate. Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease on the human body. Pathology underpins every aspect of patient care, from diagnostic testing and treatment advice to using cutting-edge genetic technologies and preventing disease.
All staff, regardless of their role contribute to CUH's aim to provide the best possible outcomes and experience for patients. Come and join your local hospitals (Addenbrooke's and the Rosie) and be supported to earn as you learn whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification.
Main duties of the job
As a Healthcare Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will be providing support with practical and administrative tasks to help facilitate the smooth running of the laboratory and provide technical support to assist the scientific staff. Duties include assisting with the day-to-day laboratory housekeeping and processes, carrying out routine laboratory maintenance, collecting samples from Main Pathology and GP Specimen Receptions, preparing buffers and reagents, admin tasks such as scanning sample requests and assisting with the maintenance of general laboratory records and filing systems (please see attached Job Description for a full list of duties).
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 25th August 2025Interviews are due to be held on 3rd September 2025
The contract length is for 27 months and the apprenticeship salary on commencement is £15,192; after 12 months in post this will increase to the National Minimum Wage (depending upon your age).
The Trust is proud of its values of Together Safe, Kind and Excellent and looks to provide its staff with support, training and progression opportunities; towards the end of your apprenticeship contract you will be supported by the Apprenticeship Team to apply for permanent employment. We have a high success rate of apprentices who have gained further employment within the Trust, many continuing to study further higher level and degree apprenticeships.
Come and join us and be supported to earn as you learn whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification. You will study a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Applicants should have an interest in science and have a GCSE Grade 4/C or above in Science, Maths and English (or equivalent qualification (i.e. functional skills)). You will be new to this role and will be able to learn and build new skills. You will be enthusiastic, have a positive work ethic, be keen to learn and able to work in a team. In return, you will receive support to gain a wide range of experiences and skills, supervision and mentoring.
There is no upper age limit on joining us as an apprentice.
We also have apprenticeships in Nursing which are subject to different terms. For more information on the Nursing Apprenticeship scheme please check our website https://www.careers.cuh.nhs.uk
NB: Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations applicants must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK or EU resident for the last three years or have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. Applicants must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 25th August 2025Interviews are due to be held on 3rd September 2025
The contract length is for 27 months and the apprenticeship salary on commencement is £15,192; after 12 months in post this will increase to the National Minimum Wage (depending upon your age).
The Trust is proud of its values of Together Safe, Kind and Excellent and looks to provide its staff with support, training and progression opportunities; towards the end of your apprenticeship contract you will be supported by the Apprenticeship Team to apply for permanent employment. We have a high success rate of apprentices who have gained further employment within the Trust, many continuing to study further higher level and degree apprenticeships.
Come and join us and be supported to earn as you learn whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification. You will study a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Applicants should have an interest in science and have a GCSE Grade 4/C or above in Science, Maths and English (or equivalent qualification (i.e. functional skills)). You will be new to this role and will be able to learn and build new skills. You will be enthusiastic, have a positive work ethic, be keen to learn and able to work in a team. In return, you will receive support to gain a wide range of experiences and skills, supervision and mentoring.
There is no upper age limit on joining us as an apprentice.
We also have apprenticeships in Nursing which are subject to different terms. For more information on the Nursing Apprenticeship scheme please check our website https://www.careers.cuh.nhs.uk
NB: Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations applicants must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK or EU resident for the last three years or have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. Applicants must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education
- English GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Maths GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Or an equivalent level of Literacy and Numeracy skills
- Science GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Must have been UK resident for at least 3 years
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of prioritising own work
- Experience of organisation of work (This can be attained at school, college, through work)
Desirable
- Experience of working (including any work experience, voluntary, weekend, part time work or school associated activities)
- Experience within a laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability and desire to develop from the training and coaching provided
- Ability and interest in working in a patient and customer care focused environment
- An understanding of confidentiality.
- Ability to work in a flexible manner.
- Desire to work in a laboratory
Desirable
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to demands of the job
- Experience of IT software programs
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Ability to work accurately
- Ability to show motivation and punctuality
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise day to day workloads
Desirable
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education
- English GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Maths GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Or an equivalent level of Literacy and Numeracy skills
- Science GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or above
- Must have been UK resident for at least 3 years
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of prioritising own work
- Experience of organisation of work (This can be attained at school, college, through work)
Desirable
- Experience of working (including any work experience, voluntary, weekend, part time work or school associated activities)
- Experience within a laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability and desire to develop from the training and coaching provided
- Ability and interest in working in a patient and customer care focused environment
- An understanding of confidentiality.
- Ability to work in a flexible manner.
- Desire to work in a laboratory
Desirable
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to demands of the job
- Experience of IT software programs
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Ability to work accurately
- Ability to show motivation and punctuality
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise day to day workloads
Desirable
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).