Healthcare assistants
Last updated: Tuesday 25 November 2025What is a healthare assistant?
Healthcare assistants (HCAs) provide hands on care to patients including supporting nurses and the wider clinical team on the wards. HCAs support personal care, meal times and helping to make a person’s stay in hospital a better experience.
It is a valuable and rewarding role. And one that has been recognised with options to build this job into a career if you want.
Many of our HCAs love working directly with patients but some want to build their skills and earning potential with additional training. You’ll be part of our NHS team and can access the generous benefits package which includes pension, holiday allowance and flexible working.
How do I become a healthcare assistant (HCA)?
There are two routes available:
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We offer healthcare assistant roles at band 2 and Band 3 level.
Both band 2 and band 3 applicants must hold, or be working towards an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) and the Care Certificate. In addition to this, band 3 applicants must hold or be willing to undertake further training in areas such as:
- physiological observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- blood glucose monitoring
- catheter removal
- cannula removal
- venepuncture
- cannulation
When starting with the Trust, healthcare assistants will attend a four day induction and will have a minimum supernumerary period of two weeks within their clinical area. For those who have not yet completed their Care Certificate, support will be provided by the Clinical Education Team.
No experience? No problem.
You don’t need previous healthcare experience to join us - our apprenticeship route is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, not just school leavers. Our healthcare assistants come from a wide range of careers, including retail, administration, warehouse roles, and even the airline industry.
As an apprentice, you will earn while you learn over a 12-18 month programme, working towards your Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker qualification (NVQ / NVQ-equivalent) through a local college.
You will receive dedicated study time each week on the ward, allowing you to apply your learning in practice and develop your skills with the support of our team.
If you need to complete your Maths and English functional skills, you will have the opportunity to do so during your apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion, you can progress onto the Level 3 Healthcare Apprenticeship, supporting your ongoing professional development and future career opportunities within the NHS.
Progression to nursing associate
If you are interested in developing your career further, we offer the opportunity to progress into a nursing associate role through our apprenticeship programme. These apprenticeship vacancies are advertised internally.
To be eligible, you will need:
- at least two years' experience working as a healthcare assistant (HCA)
- a Level 3 qualification in a health-related subject
- Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent)
Shortlisted applicants will be supported through a referral and interview process in partnership with the university delivering the apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be offered a nursing associate position within the Trust, helping you continue to grow your skills and contribution to patient care.