NHS Trainee Jobs: Start Your Healthcare Career

Discover training opportunities and entry-level positions across the NHS

Training Opportunities in the NHS

The NHS offers a wealth of training opportunities for individuals at all stages of their career journey. Whether you're looking to enter healthcare for the first time, change careers, or develop your existing skills, NHS trainee positions provide structured pathways to build your expertise and qualifications. From clinical roles like nursing associates and healthcare support workers to non-clinical positions in administration, finance, and technical services, trainee programs combine hands-on experience with formal education. The NHS invests significantly in developing its future workforce, offering apprenticeships, cadet schemes, graduate training programs, and specialized clinical training pathways. These opportunities not only provide a route into stable, rewarding careers but also help address critical workforce needs across the healthcare system. With clear progression routes, competitive pay during training, and excellent prospects upon qualification, NHS trainee positions represent an accessible and supportive way to begin or advance your healthcare career.

Clinical Trainee Roles

The NHS offers numerous clinical trainee positions that provide entry points into patient-facing healthcare careers. Healthcare Support Worker trainees learn to provide basic care under supervision, developing essential skills in patient observation, personal care, and clinical support. Nursing Associate trainees undertake a two-year program combining workplace learning with academic study, bridging the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses. Trainee Nursing Associates are typically employed on Band 3 during training, progressing to Band 4 upon qualification. Therapy Support Worker trainees assist qualified therapists in rehabilitation services, learning techniques to support patients with physical, occupational, or speech therapy needs. Assistant Practitioner trainees develop advanced support skills in specific clinical areas such as radiography, pathology, or physiotherapy through foundation degrees or equivalent qualifications. Trainee Paramedics combine academic study with supervised clinical placements to develop emergency care skills. Healthcare Science Associate trainees work in laboratory, physiological sciences, or medical physics roles, supporting diagnostic and treatment services. Pharmacy Assistant trainees learn medication management and dispensing processes under supervision. Trainee Operating Department Practitioners develop perioperative care skills through work-based learning and academic study. Mental Health Support Worker trainees learn to assist in the care of patients with mental health conditions. Maternity Support Worker trainees develop skills to assist midwives in caring for mothers and newborns. These entry-level positions typically combine structured workplace training with formal qualifications, creating accessible pathways into clinical careers with clear progression routes to more advanced roles.

Healthcare Support Worker Trainee
Trainee Nursing Associate
Therapy Support Worker Trainee
Assistant Practitioner Trainee
Trainee Paramedic
Healthcare Science Associate Trainee
Pharmacy Assistant Trainee
Trainee Operating Department Practitioner
Mental Health Support Worker Trainee
Maternity Support Worker Trainee

Non-Clinical Trainee Roles

The NHS offers diverse non-clinical trainee positions that provide entry points into essential support services and administrative functions. Administrative and Clerical trainees develop skills in patient record management, appointment scheduling, and office administration, forming the backbone of healthcare organization. Business and Finance trainees learn financial management, procurement, and budget control processes specific to healthcare settings. Health Informatics trainees develop expertise in managing healthcare data, IT systems, and digital solutions that support clinical services. Estates and Facilities trainees work in areas such as maintenance, catering, portering, or security, ensuring healthcare environments function effectively. Human Resources trainees learn recruitment, staff development, and employment policy implementation in the healthcare context. Communications and Marketing trainees develop skills in public relations, internal communications, and digital marketing for healthcare organizations. Project Management trainees learn to coordinate service improvement initiatives and organizational change programs. Trainee roles in Clinical Coding develop expertise in translating medical records into standardized codes for data analysis and service planning. Procurement trainees learn healthcare-specific purchasing and supply chain management. Quality Improvement trainees develop skills in analyzing and enhancing healthcare processes and outcomes. These non-clinical trainee positions typically combine workplace experience with relevant qualifications, often through apprenticeship frameworks from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (Master's equivalent). They provide structured entry points into professional careers that support healthcare delivery, with clear progression pathways and the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in healthcare management and support services.

Administrative and Clerical Trainee
Business and Finance Trainee
Health Informatics Trainee
Estates and Facilities Trainee
Human Resources Trainee
Communications and Marketing Trainee
Project Management Trainee
Clinical Coding Trainee
Procurement Trainee
Quality Improvement Trainee

NHS Apprenticeships

NHS apprenticeships offer structured training programs that combine paid employment with formal education, providing accessible routes into healthcare careers. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff while studying toward nationally recognized qualifications, typically spending 80% of their time in the workplace and 20% in off-the-job training. The NHS offers apprenticeships at multiple levels, from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) through to Level 7 (Master's degree equivalent), covering both clinical and non-clinical roles. Entry-level apprenticeships (Levels 2-3) are available in areas such as healthcare support, business administration, and facilities services, requiring minimal prior qualifications. Higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 4-7) provide routes into professional roles including nursing, allied health professions, healthcare science, and management positions, often requiring relevant experience or qualifications for entry. Apprenticeship duration varies from 12-18 months for entry-level programs to 3-5 years for degree apprenticeships. Pay follows the NHS Agenda for Change bands, with most apprentices starting at the bottom of the relevant band but receiving annual increments. All apprentices receive the same benefits as other NHS employees, including annual leave, pension, and staff discounts. Upon completion, apprentices typically progress to substantive roles within their training area, with many continuing to higher-level apprenticeships or further education. The NHS is the largest employer of apprentices in England, with programs available across all regions and most healthcare organizations. These apprenticeships create accessible pathways into NHS careers, particularly benefiting those who prefer practical, work-based learning over traditional academic routes.

Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship (Level 2-3)
Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (Level 5)
Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)
Allied Health Professional Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6)
Healthcare Science Apprenticeships (Levels 2-7)
Business and Administration Apprenticeships (Levels 2-4)
Leadership and Management Apprenticeships (Levels 3-7)
Digital and Technology Apprenticeships (Levels 3-7)
Estates and Facilities Apprenticeships (Levels 2-4)
Pharmacy Services Apprenticeships (Levels 2-7)

Graduate Training Schemes

The NHS offers prestigious graduate training schemes designed to develop future leaders and specialists across various healthcare functions. The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is the flagship program, consistently ranked among the UK's top graduate employers. This scheme offers specialized streams in areas such as General Management, Finance, Human Resources, Health Informatics, and Policy and Strategy. Participants rotate through different placements over 2-2.5 years while studying toward postgraduate qualifications and professional accreditation. The scheme combines challenging work placements with comprehensive leadership development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Graduates typically start at Band 5, progressing to Band 6 in their second year, with most securing Band 7 roles upon completion. The NHS Scientists Training Programme (STP) offers a three-year specialist training route for science graduates, combining workplace training with a fully-funded Master's degree in their chosen scientific specialty. Specialties include physiological sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and informatics. STP trainees start at Band 6, typically progressing to Band 7 upon completion. The NHS Digital Health Leadership Programme develops future digital leaders through a combination of work placements and a fully-funded Master's in Digital Health Leadership. The NHS Finance Management Training Scheme focuses specifically on developing future finance leaders through CIPFA or CIMA professional qualifications alongside work placements. Regional NHS organizations also offer their own graduate schemes in areas such as operational management, project management, and specialized clinical support functions. These highly competitive programs typically require a 2:1 degree or higher, with recruitment processes involving multiple assessment stages. They offer accelerated career progression, excellent professional development, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare services.

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
NHS Scientists Training Programme (STP)
NHS Digital Health Leadership Programme
NHS Finance Management Training Scheme
Regional NHS Graduate Schemes
General Management Stream
Finance Stream
Human Resources Stream
Health Informatics Stream
Policy and Strategy Stream

Clinical Training Pathways

The NHS provides structured clinical training pathways for those pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health professions. Medical training follows a well-established progression from medical school through foundation training (F1 and F2) to specialty training in areas such as general practice, surgery, or psychiatry. Junior doctors rotate through different specialties during foundation training before applying for specialty training programs lasting 3-8 years depending on the specialty. Nursing training has evolved to offer multiple routes, including the traditional three-year university degree, two-year Nursing Associate foundation degree, and various apprenticeship pathways. Post-registration, nurses can pursue specialized training in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or mental health nursing. Allied Health Professional training includes entry-level routes into physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics, and other therapies through three-year degrees or degree apprenticeships. Post-qualification, these professionals can pursue advanced practice roles through specialized training. Healthcare Science training pathways include the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) for undergraduate entry, Scientists Training Programme (STP) for postgraduate specialization, and Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) for consultant-level roles. Pharmacy training involves a four-year Master's degree followed by foundation training and optional specialization in areas such as clinical pharmacy or research. Midwifery training typically follows a three-year degree program with extensive clinical placements, with post-registration opportunities to specialize in areas such as public health or high-risk pregnancy care. Paramedic training now primarily occurs through university degrees or degree apprenticeships, with opportunities for advanced practice training after qualification. These clinical training pathways combine academic learning with supervised clinical practice, ensuring healthcare professionals develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They offer clear progression routes from entry-level to advanced practice, with opportunities for specialization and leadership development throughout the career journey.

Medical Training Pathway
Nursing Training Routes
Allied Health Professional Training
Healthcare Science Training Pathways
Pharmacy Training
Midwifery Training
Paramedic Training
Foundation Training Programs
Specialty Training
Advanced Practice Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need for NHS trainee positions?

Qualification requirements for NHS trainee positions vary widely depending on the role and level. Many entry-level trainee positions require minimal formal qualifications, often just GCSEs in English and Mathematics (grades 9-4/A-C) or equivalent. Healthcare Support Worker trainees, Administrative trainees, and Estates & Facilities trainees typically fall into this category, making them accessible to school leavers or career changers. Apprenticeship programs similarly have flexible entry requirements, with Level 2 apprenticeships (equivalent to GCSEs) often requiring no prior qualifications beyond basic literacy and numeracy. For more advanced trainee positions, such as Nursing Associates or Assistant Practitioners, you may need Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTEC, or equivalent) or relevant work experience. Graduate training schemes typically require a bachelor's degree, usually at 2:1 level or above, though the specific subject may not matter for non-clinical programs like the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. Clinical training pathways have more specific requirements - medical training requires A-levels in sciences and a medical degree, while nursing, allied health professions, and healthcare science roles typically require relevant degrees or foundation qualifications. For all trainee positions, the NHS values personal qualities alongside formal qualifications. Demonstrating compassion, communication skills, teamwork ability, and commitment to NHS values can be as important as academic achievements. Many NHS organizations offer pre-employment programs, volunteering opportunities, or work experience placements to help people develop these qualities and gain relevant experience before applying for trainee positions. The NHS also recognizes equivalent international qualifications and provides support for overseas qualification recognition where appropriate.

How much are NHS trainees paid?

NHS trainee pay varies depending on the role, level of training, and geographical location, following the national Agenda for Change pay structure. Apprentices aged 16-18 receive at least the national minimum apprentice wage (currently £5.28 per hour), while those 19+ receive at least the national minimum wage for their age group after their first year. However, many NHS organizations pay apprentices more than the minimum, typically starting at the bottom of Band 2 (£20,270 per annum as of 2023/24) for clinical apprenticeships. Healthcare Support Worker trainees and Administrative trainees typically start at Band 2 (£20,270-£21,318), with progression to Band 3 (£21,730-£23,177) upon completion of training. Trainee Nursing Associates usually start at Band 3, progressing to Band 4 (£24,063-£25,655) upon qualification. Graduate trainees on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme start at Band 5 (£27,055-£32,934), typically progressing to Band 6 (£33,706-£40,588) in their second year. Junior doctors in foundation training receive basic salaries of £29,384 (F1) and £34,012 (F2), plus supplements for out-of-hours work. Student nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals on university courses receive funding through student loans rather than salaries, but may be eligible for NHS bursaries and additional allowances. All NHS employees, including trainees, receive enhanced rates for working unsocial hours (nights, weekends, and public holidays), typically adding 25-60% to basic pay for affected hours. London-based trainees receive additional High Cost Area Supplements of 5-20% depending on their location. The NHS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including an excellent pension scheme (with employer contributions of approximately 20.6%), generous annual leave (starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service), occupational sick pay, and various staff discount schemes. Career progression is typically rapid following successful completion of training, with most trainees moving up at least one pay band.

What support is available for NHS trainees?

The NHS provides comprehensive support for trainees to ensure their success and wellbeing throughout their training journey. Each trainee is assigned a dedicated supervisor or mentor who provides regular guidance, feedback, and support tailored to their specific role and development needs. This one-to-one relationship is supplemented by wider team support, creating a collaborative learning environment. Structured learning programs combine theoretical education with practical skills development, often delivered through a mix of classroom teaching, e-learning, simulation training, and supervised practice. Protected learning time ensures trainees can focus on their development without workplace pressures. For apprentices and those on formal educational programs, the NHS works closely with education providers to align workplace experience with academic requirements. Financial support varies by training route but may include paid study leave, course fee coverage, travel expenses for training activities, and access to professional development funds. Some clinical training paths offer additional support such as the NHS Learning Support Fund for nursing, midwifery, and allied health students. Wellbeing support is prioritized, with trainees having access to occupational health services, confidential counseling through Employee Assistance Programs, and specific mental health support initiatives. Many organizations offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal circumstances and study requirements. Peer support networks connect trainees in similar roles, providing opportunities to share experiences and learn from each other. Professional development planning helps trainees identify career goals and progression routes, with regular reviews to track progress and address any challenges. Additional support is available for trainees with specific needs, including reasonable adjustments for disabilities, English language support for international trainees, and targeted programs for underrepresented groups. This comprehensive support framework ensures that NHS trainees receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement needed to complete their training successfully and transition confidently into their professional roles.