Apprentice - Healthcare Science Associate in Birmingham

A 28-month Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship in the West Midlands Genomics Laboratory at Birmingham Women's Hospital, starting January 2027. The apprentice supports Genetic Technologists with lab work on genetic testing for NHS patients across the Central and South region, keeping to strict health, safety and risk procedures. One day a week is spent on online college study towards a Level 4 BTEC, with competence-based training in the lab. Applicants must have the right to work in England for the full apprenticeship and must not be in full-time education.

What the job involves

• Assist Genetic Technologists in day-to-day laboratory work
• Provide genetic testing services to NHS patients in the Central and South region
• Work as part of a team in the laboratory
• Maintain high standards of laboratory health, safety and risk procedures
• Attend online college lessons one day a week and complete academic tasks towards a Level 4 BTEC

What’s required

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grades 9 to 4 (A to C)
• 2 A Levels or equivalent

Skills & knowledge

• Basic understanding of health, safety and quality in a hospital laboratory
• Basic IT skills
• Good team working, communication, interpersonal skills and listening
• Attention to detail and manual dexterity
• Knowing when to ask for help

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in England for the whole apprenticeship
• Aged 16 or over by the apprenticeship start date
• Ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for the three years before start, with exceptions assessed by the provider
• Not in full-time education or another apprenticeship at the start, and able to complete the full programme and assessment

Other

• Interest in working with patient samples
• Flexible approach to work
• Ability to work under pressure and concentrate in a busy environment
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn new skills
• Professional approach to hospital laboratory work, in line with Trust values

Nice to have

• Biology at A-Level standard
• Basic understanding of human biology or genetics
• Problem-solving skills

What’s offered

• Full competence-based training
• Support from both college and the laboratory for studies
• Access to an active seminar programme open to all staff
• Level 4 BTEC qualification