Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker - Genetics

The closing date is 30 October 2025

Job summary

Expected Shortlisting Date

22/10/2025

Planned Interview Date

29/10/2025

Fixed Term Contract (15 months)

Genomics

Band 2, 37.5hours per week, full time

Join us to make a meaningful difference to patients lives.

If your passion is healthcare and you want to be at the forefront of improving outcomes for patients, then theres no better place to be.

We are looking to recruit motivated, caring and compassionate individuals for the role of Apprentice Biomedical Support Worker. This is an entry level role designed to enable individuals to enter an exciting new career in Healthcare Science.

This full-time (37.5 hours per week) apprenticeship is undertaken within a fifteen month fixed-term contract, and provides an ideal opportunity to begin your career in healthcare science at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

The jobholder will be undertaking a training programme within the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT). The training will be delivered through formal education either in-house and or via external providers, and laboratory placements. Healthcare science assistants and associates make a difference to patients' lives by supporting assessment and diagnosis of disease and illness. Some will work in laboratories but others will work directly with patients every day.

Working life

As an apprentice biomedical support worker, you will support a range of colleagues within healthcare science, specifically pathology, dealing with patient samples. We have vacancies within our Central Reception and Genomic teams.

About us

In response to NHS Englands Strategy and Service Specification for the future of Genomics services in England, Newcastle Teaching Hospitals, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Childrens Trust and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have formed the North East and Yorkshire Genomics Laboratory Hub; an exciting collaboration to provide services for Genomics across Yorkshire and Humber and the North. The combined size of our geography makes this the largest collaboration in the country with the Trusts offering a range of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, research and academic training.

About us

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship you will receive a Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science. This will then allow you to apply for permanent AfC Band 2 Biomedical Support Worker positions within Pathology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. These training roles will allow you to become a part of the scientific community at the Trust working with partners and using hi-tech laboratory equipment to support diagnosis of patients.

Successful applicants will work as team members in Genetics. You may be required to work shifts, under supervision, including some bank holidays and weekends, as appropriate to your clinical area.

The course will commence in September 2025.

For further enquiries or a confidential discussion please contact Natalie Jaggs n.jaggs@nhs.net or Sarah James sarah.james42@nhs.net

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

09 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

15 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-476

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

The jobholder will be undertaking a training programme within the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT). The training will be delivered through formal education either in-house and or via external providers, and laboratory placements.

It is expected that the apprentice will commit to self-directed study and successfully complete the training programme within the contract period.

A Biomedical Support Worker must be aware of Good Scientific Practice which articulates the standard for the Healthcare Science profession and upon which the apprenticeship is based.

To collect, deliver, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for biological testing

To undertake routine clinical technical investigations, this may involve operating complex equipment following standard operating procedures. This work will be supervised.

To enter and retrieve patient demographic details using the laboratory information system

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

As the job holder you will be required to work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine tasks in support of biomedical, scientific and medical staff upon request from your supervisor. You will have problem solving skills that will allow you to make judgements and decisions about job related situations. You will be required to communicate information, some of which may be related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organizations. You will be supported throughout by your supervisor.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Education and Training

- To participate fully in the training programme for the BTEC level 2 Diploma Healthcare Sciences (Biomedical Support Worker apprenticeship) by:

i) Attending formal study sessions

ii) Participating in informal study opportunities

iii) Be willing to undertake self-directed learning

ii) Complete all tasks and assignments

iii) Apply skills and knowledge to patient care in the clinical area

iv) Contribute to regular performance and progress reviews

- To successfully complete the academic elements of the programme as specified by the employer and the training organisation.

- To complete successfully the clinical competencies related to national occupational standards as specified by the employer and the training organisation.

- To achieve a minimum of Level 1 in numeracy and literacy Functional skills and apply this learning in the workplace

To support in the performance of appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:

receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory

preparation of samples prior to processing, including sample/document collection and delivery

preparation of chemical reagents

processing of certain clinical samples

safe disposal of clinical / laboratory waste

To support in the preparation of materials for distribution to clinical areas

To enter and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system.

To respond to telephone enquiries from users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures

To assist in the day to day monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment, under supervision.

To contribute to general departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables

To participate in laboratory audit processes

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally, the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

As a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate relevant knowledge whether by formal or in-house training.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples:

Internal

- Colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality

- Pathology staff working in other specialities

- Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners

- Administrative and secretarial staff

- Estates and facilities staff

External

- Staff in primary care facilities

- Staff in other hospitals

- Staff in non NHS organizations (for example suppliers of consumables)

- Patients

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and biohazardous materials are handled. For your own protection you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training. Frequent periods of light and occasional periods of moderate physical activity related to stores management may be expected. The service is delivered from a number of different sites and you may be required, subject to consultation, to travel between sites.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turnaround times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy.

These tasks are repetitive and may involve the job holder standing at equipment or sitting at the laboratory bench for extended periods.

Regular requirement to sit at PC and regular requirement for post holder to be mobile for collection & delivery of samples.

This job requires the holder to participate in stock control, including the movement of goods from the point of delivery to the point of storage. This will require frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg .

Subject to suitable and sufficient manual handling training the job holder may occasionally be asked to assist in the movement of laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators) or consumables that weigh in excess of 15kg. (e.g. gas cylinders, containers of large volumes of fluid)

There is normally no requirement to lift people.

MENTAL EFFORT:

The day to day repertoire of this job is diverse and the job holder can expect to be asked by supervisory staff to change tasks at short notice. In order to minimize errors concentration is required on a daily basis when processing specimens. Occasionally this may require prolonged concentration and is subject to workload.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

The jobholder will be undertaking a training programme within the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT). The training will be delivered through formal education either in-house and or via external providers, and laboratory placements.

It is expected that the apprentice will commit to self-directed study and successfully complete the training programme within the contract period.

A Biomedical Support Worker must be aware of Good Scientific Practice which articulates the standard for the Healthcare Science profession and upon which the apprenticeship is based.

To collect, deliver, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for biological testing

To undertake routine clinical technical investigations, this may involve operating complex equipment following standard operating procedures. This work will be supervised.

To enter and retrieve patient demographic details using the laboratory information system

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

As the job holder you will be required to work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine tasks in support of biomedical, scientific and medical staff upon request from your supervisor. You will have problem solving skills that will allow you to make judgements and decisions about job related situations. You will be required to communicate information, some of which may be related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organizations. You will be supported throughout by your supervisor.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Education and Training

- To participate fully in the training programme for the BTEC level 2 Diploma Healthcare Sciences (Biomedical Support Worker apprenticeship) by:

i) Attending formal study sessions

ii) Participating in informal study opportunities

iii) Be willing to undertake self-directed learning

ii) Complete all tasks and assignments

iii) Apply skills and knowledge to patient care in the clinical area

iv) Contribute to regular performance and progress reviews

- To successfully complete the academic elements of the programme as specified by the employer and the training organisation.

- To complete successfully the clinical competencies related to national occupational standards as specified by the employer and the training organisation.

- To achieve a minimum of Level 1 in numeracy and literacy Functional skills and apply this learning in the workplace

To support in the performance of appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:

receiving diagnostic samples into the laboratory

preparation of samples prior to processing, including sample/document collection and delivery

preparation of chemical reagents

processing of certain clinical samples

safe disposal of clinical / laboratory waste

To support in the preparation of materials for distribution to clinical areas

To enter and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system.

To respond to telephone enquiries from users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures

To assist in the day to day monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment, under supervision.

To contribute to general departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables

To participate in laboratory audit processes

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally, the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

As a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate relevant knowledge whether by formal or in-house training.

WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples:

Internal

- Colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality

- Pathology staff working in other specialities

- Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners

- Administrative and secretarial staff

- Estates and facilities staff

External

- Staff in primary care facilities

- Staff in other hospitals

- Staff in non NHS organizations (for example suppliers of consumables)

- Patients

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and biohazardous materials are handled. For your own protection you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training. Frequent periods of light and occasional periods of moderate physical activity related to stores management may be expected. The service is delivered from a number of different sites and you may be required, subject to consultation, to travel between sites.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turnaround times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy.

These tasks are repetitive and may involve the job holder standing at equipment or sitting at the laboratory bench for extended periods.

Regular requirement to sit at PC and regular requirement for post holder to be mobile for collection & delivery of samples.

This job requires the holder to participate in stock control, including the movement of goods from the point of delivery to the point of storage. This will require frequent movement of light and moderate loads up to 15kg .

Subject to suitable and sufficient manual handling training the job holder may occasionally be asked to assist in the movement of laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators) or consumables that weigh in excess of 15kg. (e.g. gas cylinders, containers of large volumes of fluid)

There is normally no requirement to lift people.

MENTAL EFFORT:

The day to day repertoire of this job is diverse and the job holder can expect to be asked by supervisory staff to change tasks at short notice. In order to minimize errors concentration is required on a daily basis when processing specimens. Occasionally this may require prolonged concentration and is subject to workload.

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Professional attitude and behaviour
  • Good Communicator
  • Able to work in a team
  • Able to work independently
  • Dexterity
  • Basic computer skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Literate/Numerate. (Level 1 qualification in literacy and numeracy, or willingness to work towards.
  • Maths & English GCSE standard or equivalent qualification / experience
  • Committed to complete the BTEC Level Healthcare Science

Experience

Essential

  • Basic knowledge of conventional IT software and IT literacy e.g. Microsoft Office
  • Insight into roles and responsibilities of post
  • Maintain patient confidentiality
Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Professional attitude and behaviour
  • Good Communicator
  • Able to work in a team
  • Able to work independently
  • Dexterity
  • Basic computer skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Literate/Numerate. (Level 1 qualification in literacy and numeracy, or willingness to work towards.
  • Maths & English GCSE standard or equivalent qualification / experience
  • Committed to complete the BTEC Level Healthcare Science

Experience

Essential

  • Basic knowledge of conventional IT software and IT literacy e.g. Microsoft Office
  • Insight into roles and responsibilities of post
  • Maintain patient confidentiality

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Advanced Science Healthcare Practitioner

Natalie Jaggs

n.jaggs@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

09 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

15 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-476

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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