Fixed term/Secondment opportunity for 18 months due to training opportunity.
- Secondment Opportunity Existing permanent employees must first discuss this opportunity with their substantive line manager and complete the secondment request form prior to interview. The secondment request form and the associated secondment policy can be found on the HR/Recruitment intranet pages and must be completed and signed by the substantive line manager. The Candidate should then take it with them to interview as confirmation that an agreement has been granted.
This programme is designed as a supported entry route into Hospital Based Healthcare for those with no previous knowledge or experience of working in Health or Care and we encourage applications from school leavers.
As a Modern Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker, you will be employed by NHS Forth Valley for the duration of your training and supported to obtain a recognised vocational qualification in Healthcare. You will register with Forth Valley College to complete your SVQ 3 (SCQF Level 7) Qualification in Healthcare Support (Clinical) and attend workshops as required at Forth Valley College Falkirk Campus.
This apprenticeship will start on 5th October 2026 (subject to time taken to complete pre employment checks) with College enrolment and workshops commencing from January 2027.
What training and qualifications will I gain through this apprenticeship?
During your 18 Month Apprenticeship you will complete the Modern Apprenticeship Healthcare Support (Clinical) Framework at SCQF Level 7, and during that time you will work to achieve the following elements:
- Scottish Vocational Qualification in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 7
- NHS Forth Valley Foundation Skills for Healthcare Support Workers
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NHS Forth Valley Extended Clinical Skills Training Programme for Healthcare Support Workers
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NHS Scotland Mandatory induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and satisfactory progression in the workplace to support transition into a suitable role at Band 3
If you already hold this SVQ or another Health or Care qualification at SCQF Level 7 or above, or are an experienced Healthcare/Social Care Worker you should consider applying for our other vacancies within the Nursing and Midwifery Service.
Who can apply for this Apprenticeship minimum shortlisting criteria?
This is a competitive process and not all candidates who meet the selection criteria will be invited to attend for interview. In order for you to be considered for interview your Application Form MUST clearly show us that you meet the following minimum selection criteria:
- aged between 16 to 24 years old on December 1st, 2026, or up to 29 years for Disabled or Care Experienced* applicants.
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have least two National 5/ SCQF Level 5 qualifications, one of which must English/ ESOL, and a National 4/ SCQF Level 4 in a Maths subject OR completion of a Healthcare Access Course OR relevant Employability Programme at SCQF Level 5.
- a National 5/SCQF Level 5 qualification in a Science, Care, Healthcare or Childcare Subject OR lived experience of caring for a family member with their health or care needs is desirable.
- Are a Scottish resident with the right to live and work in the UK.**
- have completed in full the assessment questions section of the application form and submitted your application by the closing date of 12 Noon on Monday 10th August. Late applications will not be processed
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If appointed, can commence employment on Monday 5th October 2026, subject to the completion of satisfactory pre employment checks.
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As you will be working towards achieving a SVQ 3 (SCQF Level 7) in Healthcare Support (Clinical) we are unable to consider applicants who have already completed this qualification at this level.
You can check your qualification level here Know Your SCQF Level - Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
I have the qualifications, what else do I need?
As well as meeting the shortlisting criteria you must show us in your application that you share our values, have a genuine interest beginning a career in healthcare and are committed to delivering hands-on person-centred care to our patients with dignity and compassion.
Your application form should include transferrable skills from school, college, employment or other experience that can show us you have:
- A caring and empathetic nature
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Attention to detail
- Time management and organisational skills
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Ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team
What else do I need to know before I apply?
To stand the best chance of being selected for interview we encourage all applicants to carefully read the Modern Apprentice candidate information pack and follow the guidance on completing the application form assessment questions.
You can also book in to attend an online information session to find out more about the post:
Find out more about this Apprenticeship
If you would like to learn more about this apprenticeship before you apply you can join one of our online information sessions hosted on the following dates and times.
- Thursday 30th July at 6:00 pm - Click link to book your space
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Thursday 6th August at 6:00 pm - Click link to book your space
Interview Schedule
Stage 1 Online Interviews will take place online using MS Teams on Tuesday 18th August.
Final in person Panel interviews for selected candidates after Stage 1 Interviews will take place on Thursday 20th August Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for Disabled or Care Experienced** applicants who demonstrate in their application form that they meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for this post. Please contact [email protected] for a confidential discussion on the support available to you through this scheme.
- a Care Experienced person is a child, young person or adult who is/has been, “looked after” at some point in their childhood. This can include kinship, foster, residential care, or being looked after at home under a Compulsory Supervision Order.
**See Frequently Asked Questions | Apprenticeships. Scot, Potential Apprentices, General
The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
This post will be considered as in training position under Annex 21 of the Agenda for Change terms & conditions. For more information, please visit the following link: 18623.pdf (nhsemployers.org). Specifically, section 2(iii) and section 3 in relation to this vacancy.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.
It is also recommend that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.
Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail, therefore please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.
NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.
