Practitioner Training Programme Apprentice

Job summary

The radiotherapy physics team within cancer care at UHD are excited to be taking on a level 6 apprentice on the Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) from September 2023.

The apprentice will learn the theory and practice of carrying out technical aspects of radiotherapy, such as creating custom patient supports, planning personalised radiotherapy treatments and performing quality checks on linear accelerators. The apprentice will complete the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology) BSc at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol alongside work-based learning at Poole Hospital. Completion of all aspects will lead to qualification as a Healthcare Science Practitioner in Radiotherapy.

Successful candidates will be enrolled on to the degree apprenticeship to commence in September 2023. Successful candidates will be expected to complete work-based, online and self-directed learning as outlined in the university prospectus. There is one "block week" onsite at UWE in Bristol per academic term, otherwise the course is delivered remotely and the apprentice will be based at Poole Hospital for the vast majority of the 3 year programme.

Candidates applying must have the required qualifications as documented in the person specification and UWE internet pages. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria for the UK apprenticeship scheme.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must be numerate, computer literate and possess at least two good A-Levels (predicted Grade C or above), one of which should be in a scientific subject.

The radiotherapy service uses highly specialised software and equipment for planning and delivering radiotherapy treatments. The role requires a high level of aptitude for developing new computer based and technical skills, and being adept with graphs (plotting, reading off values) and using averages, percentages and ratios comfortably and quickly.

The majority of training at Poole Hospital will be provided within normal working hours (0900-1700) however there is the requirement for the apprentice to carry out duties outside these times; weekly late shifts to 2100, ~6 weekend days per year carrying out in-depth machine checks, occasional early starts in brachytherapy theatre (0700 onwards). Some late and weekend shifts may be done at Dorchester satellite centre. These sessions will be required to fulfil the requirements of the UWE course and participate in the routine work of the department.

The equivalent of a day per week will be given for university work however further time may be needed outside of work hours from the apprentice; e.g. when assignments are due. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and able to complete both the clinical and the academic aspects of the programme.

About us

If you have any further questions or would like to arrange an informal visit to the department please contact joshua.naylor@uhd.nhs.uk or emma.wesley@uhd.nhs.uk

Salary: Year 1: 65% of £34,581, Year 2: 70% of £34,581, Year 3 75% of £34,581 pa

Base Location: Poole Hospital

Interview Date: Monday 3rd July 2023

We are a friendly and pro-active team that strives towards excellent standards of practice to provide the best patient-centred care, fully adhering to the UHD values.

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.

UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.

In some cases this means that a services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview