Start your healthcare career with Hywel Dda University Health Board through our award-winning Apprenticeship Academy. This apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn a salary, gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings and work towards a recognised Level 3 qualification – all while making a positive difference to patients' lives every day.
As a Nursing Support Worker Apprentice, you'll become part of a supportive healthcare team from day one, developing valuable clinical skills, building your confidence and gaining experience that can open the door to a long-term career in the NHS. Alongside practical learning in the workplace, you'll receive dedicated study time and ongoing support to help you succeed and grow professionally.
This post is based in Bronglais General Hospital.
Why Join the Apprenticeship Academy?
This apprenticeship provides an opportunity to:
Earn while you learn with no training costs.
Gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.
Develop practical healthcare skills and experience.
Access a wide range of professional and personal support.
Progress towards becoming a qualified Band 3 Nursing Support Worker.
What the Apprenticeship Involves
This is a 15-month apprenticeship programme combining workplace learning with academic study. Apprentices will complete a Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support in Wales through Pembrokeshire College (college days will be held in Aberystwyth) and receive support from experienced healthcare professionals throughout the programme.
You will benefit from
A comprehensive induction programme, including Skills to Care training.
Support from a dedicated Placement Practice Supervisor.
Protected off-the-job learning during working hours.
College workshops and self-directed study time each month.
Guidance from college assessors and mentors.
Duties will develop as your skills and confidence increase and may include:
Supporting patients with personal care and daily living activities.
Communicating with patients, carers and multidisciplinary teams.
Following individual care plans.
Assisting with basic clinical procedures.
Taking basic patient observations.
Preparing clinical areas and equipment.
Maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
Supporting infection prevention and control practices.
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Support and Development
You will receive support from your Practice Supervisor, the Apprenticeship Academy Team and a college throughout your apprenticeship. Additional support is available through Occupational Health, Staff Psychological Wellbeing Services and other Health Board support networks.
A Gateway Review will be undertaken during the programme to assess progress and identify any additional development needs.
Please see attached Apprenticeship Guide for further information.
What are the entry requirements for the Apprenticeship Programme?
You must hold a GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or a Level 2 Diploma/ Equivalent qualification.
You must be aged 18+ in September 2026
Evidence will be required on the Assessment Day of your proposed travel arrangements to facilitate your attendance at the hospital and college. For example, if you intend to drive, you will provide your current driving licence as evidence
You must have the current right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for 3 years
You must be committed to studying and working simultaneously which requires a high level of dedication
You must not be in any formal government-funded education at the time of starting the Apprenticeship Programme
Applicants must meet the standard eligibility criteria for entry onto the foundation apprenticeship programme. Individuals who already hold a degree qualification are not eligible to enrol on this programme.
You must be a kind, caring person who is passionate about helping others.
You must be able to demonstrate a willingness to work hard.
If interested, please complete the attached application form before the closing date. In the section ‘Supporting Information’ we would like you to tell us why you think you should be selected for this opportunity in no more than 100 words per question.
Why are you applying for this role?
What skills and experience do you already have that would help you in this role (please align your answer to this question with the main duties of this role as outlined within the advert and apprentice pack)?
What will make you a good learner, which is a key part of the Apprentice role?
See the attachments for more information.
A virtual information session will be held on the following date to allow you the opportunity to join and ask questions regarding the vacancy. Register your interest below;
29/07/2026 - Canllaw Prentisiaeth Gweithwyr Cymorth Nyrsio 2026/ Nursing support Worker Apprenticeship 2026
Once the closing date has passed, those who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an assessment day. The assessment day will comprise of a variety of activities including interview and scenario work. The assessment day will give you a chance to meet Health Board staff including the Apprenticeship Academy Team.
The assessment day will be held on 12/08/2026.
If you are successfully recruited, you will start your employment as an Apprentice with Hywel Dda University Health Board in late September 2026.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speaker are both welcome to apply.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
