Job overview

At Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we're looking for compassionate, motivated people to join us as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) and Nursing Associate Apprentices (NAAs), starting a rewarding career in patient care.

Whether you're leaving school, returning to work, or changing careers, this is your chance to make a difference while building a future in healthcare.

Please specify in your Supporting Information section if you are applying for a HCSW or for NAA.

Start as a Healthcare Support Worker
Healthcare is more than a job—it’s a career with purpose. As an HCSW, you’ll play a key role in patient care, supporting nurses, doctors and multidisciplinary teams. No prior experience needed—just the right values and passion to care

• Earn while you learn with no student debt
• Gain a recognised qualification
• Secure a long-term NHS career
• Develop clinical skills

You will be recruited at Band 2 if you have not yet completed CUH HCSW induction which includes completion of the Care Certificate and Competencies. Once completed you will move up to Band 3. If you are currently working in a support worker role and have therefore completed these, you will be recruited as Band 3

Please note you will be required to undertake a Functional Skills Test as part of your interview assessment. You will need to pass this in order to proceed to a Conditional Offer. This is applicable if you are not currently working as a Support worker at CUH.

Main duties of the job

At CUH, we are committed to developing our own workforce. For HCSWs who meet apprenticeship criteria and show dedication to patient care, the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship offers a clear pathway into registered nursing.

All our Nursing Associate apprentices begin as HCSWs, gaining essential experience in fundamental care skills and building confidence before advancing their knowledge and nursing practice.We’re looking for people who are:

Caring and compassionate
Reliable and committed
Strong communicators and team players
Motivated to learn and develop
Passionate about high-quality patient care
Able to balance work and study

To join as a HCSW, you must complete the National Care Certificate as part of your development.

To progress onto the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, you must start as a HCSW, complete the above, and evidence apprenticeship eligibility and funding requirements, including:

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 9–4 / A*–C) or equivalent
• Flexibility to work a full range of shifts (enhanced pay for unsocial hours)
• Right to work in the UK (not for education purposes only)
• UK residency for at least 3 years before the course
• A valid visa covering the full apprenticeship duration (if applicable)

Please see the downloads section for further Right to Work guidance and FAQs.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee a place, but working as a HCSW at CUH provides valuable experience and preparation.

Care for patients today. Build your future tomorrow.

Working for our organisation

Come Nurse with us…

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the country. It comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital. We provide accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge and regional and national specialist services. It’s a great place to nurse, work and live. 

You will work on a vibrant hospital campus with a friendly community feel; we have excellent facilities to practice your skills and abilities to support your career pathway and development. Our values of Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent support the delivery of outstanding care. We have a fully electronic patient record system that is improving health-care quality; this is transforming services, improving patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Why choose Cambridge University Hospitals?

• Our values and reputation for outstanding care
• Opportunities to experience a range of specialities
• Career and development opportunities
• Preceptorship and mentoring programmes delivered by a dedicated clinical education support team
• Research experience and opportunities
• Lovely location and quality of life