Apprentice Health Care Support Worker - MALE ONLY | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Due to a genuine occupational need we are currently only accepting male applicants aged 18 for this role. Candidates should not have previous healthcare experience if applying for this role.

This opportunity consists of an 8‑month apprenticeship programme with placements across the Secure Care Division while undertaking an Intermediate Apprenticeship Health and Social Care Framework at level 2, attending Hugh Baird College weekly for the duration of the course. The division is responsible for specialised secure mental health and learning disability services in low, medium and high secure settings for service users with a primary classification of mental illness, personality disorders, learning disabilities and autism.

Only candidates who do not hold a CQF in Health and Social Care at Level 2 or a full apprenticeship in health and social care at Level 2 can be considered. A recruitment and retention premia (£600 – £4,034) is available for roles in Secure Care, dependent on allocations. Allocations are determined by the service; the premia will reflect each specific clinical placement for the duration of that rotation.

The Healthcare Apprentice position in the Secure Care Division is an exciting learning opportunity for the apprentice to gain valuable experience working in a specialist service while also undertaking the Intermediate Apprenticeship Framework at level 2. The apprenticeship will be undertaken over 8 months and will include exposure to both clinical and educational experiences. Successful applicants must attend the education sessions provided to support the attainment of the Intermediate Apprenticeship Framework at level 2. Following satisfactory engagement with the course requirements, a Band 3 Nursing Assistant post may be offered upon completion.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out assigned duties, involving direct care and observation of Service Users under the guidance and supervision of a qualified nurse or other team member where delegated.
• Participate in the shift system in operation within the ward/team/department.

Key requirements:

• Male applicants aged 18 only.
• No previous healthcare experience.
• Not hold a CQF in Health and Social Care at Level 2 or a full apprenticeship in health and social care at Level 2.
• Applicants must have been in the UK for 3 years and, if on temporary right to work, must hold a visa that allows access to government funding. The visa must be valid for longer than the length of the course plus an additional six months to account for any resits.
• Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.
• The post advertised is working for the Secure Care Division; as we are a mobile division you may be expected to work at any of the sites, currently these are at Ashworth Hospital, Rowan View, Rathbone Hospital, Hollins Park and Aspen Wood.

Closing date: This advert closes on Wednesday 27 May 2026.