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Job summary

Main area
Podiatry
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Mon- Fri 8.30-5pm)
Job ref
374-KNLL0711
Employer
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Avenue House
Town
Eastbourne
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
22/11/2026 09:00

Employer heading

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust logo

Podiatry Apprenticeship

NHS AfC: Band 3

We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area. 


We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. 


Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes. 


The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services. 

 

Job overview

This exciting opportunity allows you to earn while you learn, working towards a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry through the University of Brighton or Plymouth University.

As a Podiatry Degree Apprentice, you will be employed full-time by ESHT while studying for your degree and gaining experience in clinic and community settings. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to qualify as a registered Podiatrist and deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

During university semesters, you will attend academic study. Outside these periods, you will work within the Podiatry Service as a Podiatry Assistant, with full training and support provided.

We are looking for:

  • Motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for healthcare
  • Commitment to completing a degree-level apprenticeship
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Full driving licence and access to a vehicle, as the role is community based and covers the whole of East Sussex

Our offer

  • Fully funded BSc (Hons) in Podiatry
  • Paid employment throughout your apprenticeship
  • Clinical experience across a variety of settings
  • Ongoing support and development
  • Opportunity to apply for permanent Trust vacancies on successful completion, subject to performance and programme requirements

Please note: Travel costs associated with university attendance and placements must be met by the apprentice. Successful completion of the degree allows you to apply for HCPC registration as a Podiatrist.

Main duties of the job

This apprenticeship combines academic study with paid employment, delivered in partnership between East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and the University of Brighton. As an apprentice, you will work across hospital, community and clinic settings while studying towards a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry.

On successful completion, you will qualify as a Podiatrist, eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and practise as an Allied Health Professional.

Study includes:

  • Clinical sciences, medicine, pharmacology, surgery, orthopaedics, health psychology and research methods.
  • Shared learning with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Pharmacy students, promoting multidisciplinary working and collaboration.

Academic Requirements (must be held at shortlisting)

Applicants must demonstrate recent Level 3 study, such as:

  • A-level grade A/B in Biological Science or Physical Education.
  • Open University Human Biology (SK277) Grade 2 Pass.
  • Merit in Health, Healthcare Science or Science T-level.
  • Associate Practitioner qualification, Health & Social Care Foundation Degree, or another relevant Level 3 qualification.

Plus:

  • GCSE/Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent).
  • Overseas applicants must achieve IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5.

 

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. 

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is an excellent opportunity to gain a professional healthcare qualification while earning a salary and developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a rewarding career in Podiatry.

 

Please refer to the job description attached.

 If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Minimum of five GCSEs Grade A-C which must include Maths and English and a science
  • Demonstrable ability to study at Level 6 Honours degree level and commit to completing the honours Degree programme
Desirable criteria
  • Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience
  • Essential induction training and experience – care certificate or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience of working within a health / care setting
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of multi-disciplinary and interagency working

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Understanding of the scope of the role of the Podiatrist and Podiatry assistant in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
  • Intermediate IT skills
Desirable criteria
  • Understanding of evidence based practice
  • Completion of an HCA development programme
  • Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements
  • Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
  • Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning

Other

Essential criteria
  • Ability to travel to different sites in a cost effective and timely manner.
  • Full driving licence.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyDisability confident leaderImproving working livesCare quality commission - GoodArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardNational Preceptorship for Nursing Quality MarkGold Award 2026 - Wellbeing at Work - East Sussex

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
lesley baker
Job title
Head of Podiatry & Orthotics
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
03001314536
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