Job summary
Location: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Bedford Site)Hours: Full-time (Apprenticeship)Salary: In line with Annexe 21 (Band 3)
- Y1. Band 3 £24,701 @ 90% = £22.230.90
- Y2. Band 3 Incremental @ Entry step point £24,701
- Y3. Band 3 Incremental @ 1.5% = £25,071
- Y4. Band 3 Top step point £25,674
Duration: Fixed-term 4 years, dependent on course
Are you interested in building a career in electrical engineering within a dynamic NHS environment? Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Estates and Facilities team as an Estates Electrical Apprentice.
This role provides a structured apprenticeship combining practical, on-the-job experience with academic study, leading to a nationally recognised electrical qualification.
Working across our hospital sites, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the maintenance, repair, and installation of electrical systems critical to the safe and effective operation of healthcare services.
As part of the Estates Team, you will learn to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, support the Trust's sustainability and energy efficiency goals, and contribute to the smooth running of vital clinical environments.
Main duties of the job
As anEstates Electrical Apprentice, you will work under the supervision of qualified electrical engineers and estates officers, gaining valuable hands-on experience while developing the skills and knowledge required to become a competent and professional electrician within a healthcare environment.
Your main duties will include:
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Assisting with Electrical Maintenance:Support the maintenance, repair, testing, and installation of electrical systems and equipment across the hospital estate.
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Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM):Participate in routine servicing and inspections of electrical systems to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and NHS standards.
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Responding to Reactive Tasks:Support the team in responding to faults, breakdowns, and emergency repairs in a safe and timely manner to minimise disruption to patient care and clinical services.
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Learning and Development:Attend college or training provider sessions as part of your formal apprenticeship programme, and complete all coursework, assessments, and on-the-job training activities as required.
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Health & Safety Compliance:Follow all relevant health and safety protocols.
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Record Keeping and Documentation:Assist with the accurate completion of maintenance logs, reports, and statutory documentation.
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Teamwork and Communication:Work collaboratively with estates colleagues, clinical teams, and external contractors. Communicate clearly and professionally to support the delivery of high-quality services.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Electrical Maintenance and Repair
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Assist with planned and reactive maintenance tasks for electrical systems including lighting, power supplies, switchgear, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and nurse call systems.
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Support the diagnosis and repair of faults, using appropriate tools and test equipment.
-
Learn to carry out installations and upgrades in accordance with current regulations and Trust procedures.
2. Compliance and Safety
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Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with Health & Safety legislation, NHS Estates technical guidance (e.g. HTMs), and Trust policies.
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Use safe systems of work including risk assessments, permits to work, and lock-out/tag-out procedures under supervision.
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Maintain awareness of infection prevention and control measures in clinical areas.
3. Training and Development
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Attend college or training provider sessions as part of the apprenticeship programme (e.g., Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Electrical).
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Complete all course assignments, assessments, and logbooks in a timely and professional manner.
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Participate in in-house training and toolbox talks to enhance knowledge of NHS systems and processes.
4. Teamwork and Communication
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Work effectively as part of the Estates Maintenance Team, supporting colleagues in delivering high-quality services.
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Communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, patients, visitors, and contractors.
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Report any issues or concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping
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Assist in maintaining accurate records of work carried out, including completion of job tickets, compliance reports, and asset information.
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Learn to use Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems and electronic maintenance platforms.
6. Sustainability and Efficiency
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Support the Trusts sustainability objectives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy use and improve the efficiency of electrical systems.
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Follow environmentally responsible practices, including safe disposal of waste materials.
7. Professional Conduct
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Uphold the values and behaviours of the NHS and the Trust at all times.
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Demonstrate a proactive and positive approach to learning, safety, and teamwork.
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Take personal responsibility for punctuality, attendance, and conduct both on-site and at the training provider.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Electrical Maintenance and Repair
-
Assist with planned and reactive maintenance tasks for electrical systems including lighting, power supplies, switchgear, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and nurse call systems.
-
Support the diagnosis and repair of faults, using appropriate tools and test equipment.
-
Learn to carry out installations and upgrades in accordance with current regulations and Trust procedures.
2. Compliance and Safety
-
Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with Health & Safety legislation, NHS Estates technical guidance (e.g. HTMs), and Trust policies.
-
Use safe systems of work including risk assessments, permits to work, and lock-out/tag-out procedures under supervision.
-
Maintain awareness of infection prevention and control measures in clinical areas.
3. Training and Development
-
Attend college or training provider sessions as part of the apprenticeship programme (e.g., Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Electrical).
-
Complete all course assignments, assessments, and logbooks in a timely and professional manner.
-
Participate in in-house training and toolbox talks to enhance knowledge of NHS systems and processes.
4. Teamwork and Communication
-
Work effectively as part of the Estates Maintenance Team, supporting colleagues in delivering high-quality services.
-
Communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, patients, visitors, and contractors.
-
Report any issues or concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping
-
Assist in maintaining accurate records of work carried out, including completion of job tickets, compliance reports, and asset information.
-
Learn to use Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems and electronic maintenance platforms.
6. Sustainability and Efficiency
-
Support the Trusts sustainability objectives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy use and improve the efficiency of electrical systems.
-
Follow environmentally responsible practices, including safe disposal of waste materials.
7. Professional Conduct
-
Uphold the values and behaviours of the NHS and the Trust at all times.
-
Demonstrate a proactive and positive approach to learning, safety, and teamwork.
-
Take personal responsibility for punctuality, attendance, and conduct both on-site and at the training provider.
Person Specification
What interests you about pursuing a career as an Electrical Apprentice within the NHS?
Essential
- I've always been interested in how things work, especially electrical systems, and I enjoy practical problem-solving. The idea of applying these skills in a hospital setting really appeals to me, as it combines engineering with the opportunity to help others. The NHS plays a vital role in our society, and I want to be part of a team that keeps essential services running safely and efficiently. Knowing that my work could directly impact patient care and safety gives the role real purpose.
Describe any practical or technical experience you have had at school, college, work experience?
Essential
- During a one-week work experience placement with a local electrical contractor, I helped shadow a team that maintained lighting systems in a school. I also took part in a STEM club at school where we built simple circuits and learned about wiring and safety. I found it both challenging and enjoyable, and it confirmed for me that I want to pursue a hands-on career in electrical engineering.
Can you provide an example of when you worked effectively as part of a team to complete a task?
Essential
- At school, I worked on a group project in science class where we designed and built a model of a sustainable house. I helped lead the electrical section and had to coordinate with teammates working on water and insulation. We communicated regularly, shared tasks fairly, and managed to present a working model. This experience showed me the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to reach a common goal.
Why do you think Health & Safety is especially important in a hospital setting?
Essential
- Health and safety is critical in all workplaces, but especially in a hospital where vulnerable patients, staff, and visitors are present. Faulty electrical systems could pose serious risks, from power loss in critical care areas to fire hazards. I understand the importance of following procedures, wearing PPE, and ensuring safe systems of work. During a site visit in school, I learned about risk assessments and why they are essential in technical environments like healthcare.
How do you plan to manage the balance between hands-on work and college assignments?
Essential
- I'm prepared to treat both parts of the apprenticeship with equal importance. I plan to manage my time by keeping a schedule, setting aside regular study periods, and staying organised with deadlines. I know that good communication with both my workplace supervisor and college tutor will help if I ever need support. I'm motivated to succeed and understand that balancing practical and academic learning is key to completing the apprenticeship and becoming fully qualified.
Person Specification
What interests you about pursuing a career as an Electrical Apprentice within the NHS?
Essential
- I've always been interested in how things work, especially electrical systems, and I enjoy practical problem-solving. The idea of applying these skills in a hospital setting really appeals to me, as it combines engineering with the opportunity to help others. The NHS plays a vital role in our society, and I want to be part of a team that keeps essential services running safely and efficiently. Knowing that my work could directly impact patient care and safety gives the role real purpose.
Describe any practical or technical experience you have had at school, college, work experience?
Essential
- During a one-week work experience placement with a local electrical contractor, I helped shadow a team that maintained lighting systems in a school. I also took part in a STEM club at school where we built simple circuits and learned about wiring and safety. I found it both challenging and enjoyable, and it confirmed for me that I want to pursue a hands-on career in electrical engineering.
Can you provide an example of when you worked effectively as part of a team to complete a task?
Essential
- At school, I worked on a group project in science class where we designed and built a model of a sustainable house. I helped lead the electrical section and had to coordinate with teammates working on water and insulation. We communicated regularly, shared tasks fairly, and managed to present a working model. This experience showed me the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to reach a common goal.
Why do you think Health & Safety is especially important in a hospital setting?
Essential
- Health and safety is critical in all workplaces, but especially in a hospital where vulnerable patients, staff, and visitors are present. Faulty electrical systems could pose serious risks, from power loss in critical care areas to fire hazards. I understand the importance of following procedures, wearing PPE, and ensuring safe systems of work. During a site visit in school, I learned about risk assessments and why they are essential in technical environments like healthcare.
How do you plan to manage the balance between hands-on work and college assignments?
Essential
- I'm prepared to treat both parts of the apprenticeship with equal importance. I plan to manage my time by keeping a schedule, setting aside regular study periods, and staying organised with deadlines. I know that good communication with both my workplace supervisor and college tutor will help if I ever need support. I'm motivated to succeed and understand that balancing practical and academic learning is key to completing the apprenticeship and becoming fully qualified.
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).
