Laboratory Medicine Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice

Job summary

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are offering the exciting opportunity to undertake a Level 2 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship within the Laboratory Medicine Directorate.

Healthcare Science Assistants (HCSAs) perform a range of low risk, routine technical and scientific procedures usually within one broad area of HCS, following specific protocols and in accordance with health, safety, governance, and ethical requirements. HCSAs work using standard operating procedures, initially under direct supervision but increasingly with experience, under indirect supervision.

HCSAs are required to actively engage in studying towards the Healthcare Science apprenticeship which includes a BTEC level 2 diploma.

This post is to support the provision of laboratory diagnostic services by assisting and providing a range of diagnostic procedures, as appropriate, at different sites in the local area under the direction of the Lead Laboratory manager.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be required to work under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory assistants and will be trained to:

• Perform pre-analytical checks of sample integrity
• Use the laboratory and hospital computer systems to book patient samples in
• Answer the phone and help resolve queries
• Load samples onto analysers, where appropriate
• Help maintain stock levels and, where appropriate, replace reagents on analysers
• Perform basic laboratory and point of care tasks within their specialism, as appropriate
• Train in phlebotomy to take samples from patients, as appropriate

The apprentice allowance as specified in the Minimum Wage Regulations will be paid for the first 12 months. The rate will increase after 12 months in line with these regulations for anyone that is age 19 or over.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 14 months due to this being an apprenticeship/training programme. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts.

A learner/applicant must be a UK, EEA, or EU resident for at least the past three years to undertake an apprenticeship training programme.

About us

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

An assessment centre will take place on the 3rdFebruary where you can come and meet some of the people you will be working with and existing apprentices. As this is part of the selection process you will be expected to attend if you are shortlisted Interviews will be held on the 6thFebruary 2024.