Apprenticeships and placements

As an apprentice at UHSussex you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst working and gaining experience.

Benefits of apprenticeships

There are many benefits of doing an apprenticeship at UHSussex including:

• earning a salary 
• getting paid holiday 
• gaining a qualification 
• career progression 
• supportive staff to help you 
• study time provided 

Types of apprenticeship roles

We have paid apprenticeships in:

• healthcare support
• pharmacy
• dietetics
• maternity
• physiotherapy
• sexual health
• estates (housekeeping, food service/catering, portering)
• administration/clerical
• and many other roles

The length of time it takes to complete our apprenticeships are:

• Level 2 – 15 months, these are equivalent to GCSE qualifications
• Level 3 – 18 months, these are equivalent to A-level qualifications
• Level 4 – 2 years, this is equivalent to a foundation degree.

You’ll receive three hours a week study time to complete your qualification.

Entry requirements

Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is:

• 16 years old or over
• living in England
• not in full-time education (but you can apply while still a student)

We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly from underrepresented groups such as our black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, LGBTQI+ communities and individuals with disabilities or individual learning needs.

Those already working at UHSussex can also apply.

Case studies

Read our inspiring case studies from two UHSussex apprentices.

Emma Bentley, finance apprentice

I’m studying my level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship within the financial reporting team in the Finance department at St Richards Hospital. I’d finished my Level 2 AAT course at college and wanted to progress onto the level 3 course, however to do that I needed to find an apprenticeship course as I didn’t want to go to university. So I found this role on the government website, researched the Trust and applied.

So far I’ve studied a range of areas within my apprenticeship course such as costing, book keeping, financial accounts and spreadsheets and these have helped me progress within my role in the finance department.

Once I have completed my apprenticeship I’d like to gain a permanent position within the department I’m in now. I’d also like to complete the level 4 AAT course with the Trust to further build my knowledge and career within the NHS.

I’d say to anyone, if you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship, go for it! The opportunity to learn and work at the same time is such a great opportunity. This apprenticeship has given me the chance to build a range of wider knowledge while allowing me to put my knowledge from the college into my practical work in my department, all with great support from my colleagues in the office.

Emily Lerwill, maternity apprentice

I’m studying for my level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship qualification. My study involves monthly online workshops via MS Teams, alongside meetings with my assessor and independent study days for me to complete the work.

I decided to do an apprenticeship as I feel it’s the best way for me to increase my depth of knowledge and understanding within the maternity unit.

I have learnt so much information about healthcare and other information specific to maternity. I had a great experience being able to go into theatres to watch twins being born by a C-section.

Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship I’d like to progress onto the Trainee Nurse Associate apprenticeship or gain a permanent role in the Trust while studying in further education to become a qualified midwife.

Find an apprenticeship role

All apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the government website.

To find an apprentice role at UHSussex you’ll need to search for an apprenticeship on gov.uk putting in ‘University Hospitals Sussex’ in the employer field.

Some apprenticeships will also be advertised on NHS jobs, just search for University Hospitals Sussex.

Helpful information

• Government guide to apprenticeships
• Institute for Apprenticeships