Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Apprentice Healthcare Science Associate - Medical Microbiology

The closing date is 19 June 2025

Job summary

A vacancy has arisen for an Apprentice Healthcare Science Associate (Band 4) to join our team at the Chester & Wirral Microbiology Service laboratory in Bromborough, Wirral.

Core hours of work will be 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. Weekend working is typically 1 in 4. Night shifts 8pm - 8am towards the existing 24/7 rota are contractual.

Good communication skills and an excellent telephone manner are advantageous. Current laboratory experience essential.

Experience in microbiology or molecular biology would be advantageous but not essential as training will be provided.

This is a full-time post, and the post holder will need to commit to study, attend relevant training sessions virtually and in person; and there is an expectation that the post holder will successfully complete the apprenticeship training programme. The post holder will receive 20% off the job training to fulfil the apprenticeship standard and this includes time needed to attend tutorials and presentations from the education provider. On successful completion of the probationary period and the apprenticeship course the post holder will be offered the permanent post of Healthcare Science Associate (Agenda for change, Band 4).

Main duties of the job

Please see Job overview & attached Job description for further information about the Healthcare Science Associate - Medical Microbiology position available with WUTH.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Date posted

09 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£19,897.50 to £29,114 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

408-25-542

Job locations

Bassendale Road

Wirral

CH49 5PE

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see Job overview & attached Job description for further information about the Healthcare Science Associate - Medical Microbiology position available with WUTH.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see Job overview & attached Job description for further information about the Healthcare Science Associate - Medical Microbiology position available with WUTH.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

Foundation Degree in Biomedical Science or Full BSc in a Science

Desirable

Experience of working in a laboratory environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly, and professionally at all levels.
Good time management skills
Commitment to learning. Shows a positive and enthusiastic attitude

Personal Attributes

Essential

Ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly and professionally at all levels.
Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures. Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust's Policies.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

Foundation Degree in Biomedical Science or Full BSc in a Science

Desirable

Experience of working in a laboratory environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly, and professionally at all levels.
Good time management skills
Commitment to learning. Shows a positive and enthusiastic attitude

Personal Attributes

Essential

Ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly and professionally at all levels.
Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures. Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust's Policies.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Bassendale Road

Wirral

CH49 5PE

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Bassendale Road

Wirral

CH49 5PE

Employer's website

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