Job summary
Permanent | Earn While You Learn | No Tuition Fees
Are you passionate about caring for others and ready to build a rewarding career in nursing? Join Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) as a Nursing Associate Apprentice and train to become a Registered Nursing Associate while earning a full-time salary and completing a fully funded university qualification.
Why this Nursing Apprenticeship?
The Nursing Associate role is a fast-evolving profession, created to bridge the gap between the Registered Nurse and the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). An apprenticeship is a unique way to learn, combining academic study with real clinical experience. It's an excellent blend of theory and hands-on practice, helping you grow into a skilled, confident and compassionate healthcare professional.
Over two years, you will:
Work directly with patients as part of our clinical teamsStudy for the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree with Anglia Ruskin University
Who we are looking for
We're seeking highly motivated, compassionate, enthusiastic, and resilient individuals to help us continue developing this exciting role within the Trust and begin the academic programme in 2026.
We welcome applications from:
Current CUH Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW)Experienced Healthcare Support Workers
If you haven't already achieved the Care Certificate, you'll complete it before starting the programme.
Main duties of the job
What you need
Previous care experienceA passion for delivering high-quality, compassionate careStrong communication skills and a commitment to teamworkThe ability to balance work and studyFlexibility to work a full range of shifts (enhanced pay applies for nights, weekends and public holidays)Evidence of completion of the 'ARU Step into Healthcare' online learning activity, which includes numeracy, literacy and digital skills
Eligibility for Apprenticeship Funding
You must have:
Right to Work: The apprentice must have permission granted by the UK government to live and work in the UK, and this permission must not be for education purposes onlyResidency Requirement: The individual must have been "ordinarily resident" in the UK and Islands for at least 3 years immediately before the start of the apprenticeship, for a "settled purpose" not wholly or mainly for receiving full-time education.Hold a visa valid for the full duration of the two-year programme. Duration of Apprenticeship and Visa: The apprentice's right to remain in the UK must not be limited by a fixed-term contract or a visa that would prevent them from completing the full duration of the apprenticeship.
Refer to the downloads section for further information and FAQs
Find Out More
Join our Nursing Apprenticeship webinar on Saturday 24th January 26 @10am to meet the team and discover whether this is the right career path for you.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/34902843187014?p=667X3gshDZ33nABmPH
About us
Come Nurse with us...
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the country. It comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital. We provide accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge and regional and national specialist services. It's a great place to nurse, work and live.
You will work on a vibrant hospital campus with a friendly community feel; we have excellent facilities to practice your skills and abilities to support your career pathway and development. Our values of Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent support the delivery of outstanding care. We have a fully electronic patient record system that is improving health-care quality; this is transforming services, improving patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Why choose Cambridge University Hospitals?
o Our values and reputation for outstanding careo Opportunities to experience a range of specialitieso Career and development opportunitieso Preceptorship and mentoring programmes delivered by a dedicated clinical education support teamo Research experience and opportunitieso Lovely location and quality of life
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please be aware that the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship to be granted is above the starting point of the Agenda for Change band for this role. Therefore those that are new to the NHS may not reach the minimum salary threshold required to obtain a certificate of sponsorship
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 28th January 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 13th February 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please be aware that the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship to be granted is above the starting point of the Agenda for Change band for this role. Therefore those that are new to the NHS may not reach the minimum salary threshold required to obtain a certificate of sponsorship
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 28th January 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 13th February 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Grade C/grade 4 in Maths and English
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Good inter-personal and communication skills
- Evidence of time management skills with the ability to prioritise and work effectively
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under supervision, and as part of a multiprofessional team
Desirable
- Understand the importance of confidentiality
- Previous care experience
- Awareness and respect for colleagues', patients', relatives' cultural and emotional needs
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the Nursing Associate Role
Desirable
- Understanding of own strengths and development needs and able to reflect and seek support as appropriate
- Completion of work-based training
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all time
- Ability to communicate with members of the patients, carers, relatives and colleagues
- Self-motivated
- Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Intermediate IT skills
- Able to take responsibility for duties in an efficient and safe environment
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together-safe, kind, excellen
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Grade C/grade 4 in Maths and English
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Good inter-personal and communication skills
- Evidence of time management skills with the ability to prioritise and work effectively
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under supervision, and as part of a multiprofessional team
Desirable
- Understand the importance of confidentiality
- Previous care experience
- Awareness and respect for colleagues', patients', relatives' cultural and emotional needs
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the Nursing Associate Role
Desirable
- Understanding of own strengths and development needs and able to reflect and seek support as appropriate
- Completion of work-based training
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all time
- Ability to communicate with members of the patients, carers, relatives and colleagues
- Self-motivated
- Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Intermediate IT skills
- Able to take responsibility for duties in an efficient and safe environment
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together-safe, kind, excellen
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division Corporate
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)