Job summary
**INTERNAL MPFT APPLICANTS ONLY**
Trainee Nursing Associate Opportunity - September 2025 IntakeLocation: Hatherton Centre, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation TrustUniversities: Keele University (Keele or Telford Campus) or Staffordshire University (Stafford Campus)Band: Agenda for Change Band 3 during trainingAre you a compassionate and committed healthcare support worker ready to take the next step in your career? Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is now welcoming applications for the next cohort of Trainee Nursing Associates, starting in September 2025.This is an exciting opportunity to join a nationally recognised apprenticeship programme that blends academic learning with hands-on experience - all while earning a salary and working toward professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).You will be based at the Hatherton Centre, a medium secure forensic mental health unit, working with patients who have complex mental health needs and involvement in the criminal justice system. This is a challenging yet highly rewarding environment, where you'll gain specialist experience and develop advanced mental health nursing skills as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team.
This is a two-year foundation degree programme in Health and Social Care, delivered through an apprenticeship route.The banding will uplift to Band 4 once training is completed.
Main duties of the job
You will:Attend university 2 days per weekHave 1 protected study day per week (7.5 hours)Work in your base clinical area the rest of the timeComplete at least 460 hours of external placements in a variety of settingsWork across a 24-hour rota, including nights, weekends, and bank holidaysUpon successful completion, you will become a Registered Nursing Associate, regulated by the NMC.
Fully funded tuition fees through the NHS apprenticeship schemeA secure secondment contract while you train - no loss of employmentContinued salary at Agenda for Change Band 3 during the courseExcellent support from academic staff, clinical educators, and your line managerCareer progression opportunities within MPFT upon qualification
To be eligible, you must:Be a substantive healthcare support worker employed by MPFTWork full-time (37.5 hours per week)Hold GCSEs in English and Maths (A-C / 4-9)* or Functional Skills Level 2 in bothProvide original certificates as evidence of qualificationsHave at least 12 months experience working in a healthcare settingHave a good attendance recordBe committed and capable of academic studyHave line manager support to apply for this secondment opportunityThis is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a supportive environment, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and help shape the future of nursing care within a unique and rewarding forensic mental health setting.
About us
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
- Supporting your career development and progression
- Excellent NHS Pension scheme
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Options for flexible working
- Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days)
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
- If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
- Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
- Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates
- Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
- Free car parking at all trust sites
- Free flu vaccinations every year
- Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. The trainee Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in a specific setting, but will experience working in alternative settings including in hospital, care at home and care close to home, in order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts and are able to fulfil all the requirements of the programme.
At the end of the programme, the trainee Nursing Associate will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to Nursing & Midwifery (NMC) Code.
The Trainee Nursing Associate will: Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting health and independence. Demonstrate the Trust values and behaviours. Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual. Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or other registered care professionals dependent on setting. Work with a supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, whilst on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate Training Programme. By the end of the Nursing Associate Training Programme develop the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.Please see Job Description/Person Specification attached.We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your journey to becoming a qualified Nursing Associate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. The trainee Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in a specific setting, but will experience working in alternative settings including in hospital, care at home and care close to home, in order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts and are able to fulfil all the requirements of the programme.
At the end of the programme, the trainee Nursing Associate will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to Nursing & Midwifery (NMC) Code.
The Trainee Nursing Associate will: Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting health and independence. Demonstrate the Trust values and behaviours. Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual. Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or other registered care professionals dependent on setting. Work with a supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, whilst on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate Training Programme. By the end of the Nursing Associate Training Programme develop the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.Please see Job Description/Person Specification attached.We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your journey to becoming a qualified Nursing Associate.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English. Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme.
- Intermediate IT skills.
Desirable
- Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development.
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise.
- Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers.
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact.
- Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities.
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English. Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme.
- Intermediate IT skills.
Desirable
- Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development.
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise.
- Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers.
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact.
- Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities.
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times.
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
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Newport House, Hatherton Centre, St George's Hospital
Corporation Street
Stafford
ST16 3AG
Employer's website
https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
