Did you know there are more than 350 different careers available in the NHS?

Careers for Young People is an exciting, Award winning, two-year education programme across health and social care in the Portsmouth area.

Would you like a career in Healthcare? Join our programme and you’ll work with some of the most experienced professionals in health and social care settings.

If you’re aged 16-18 and leaving school, or currently not working, this exciting course is a great alternative to 6th Form or College and can give you access to Higher Education qualifications in the future, such as a Degree Apprenticeship.

Learn and work with the NHS

This careers programme is a unique collaboration between HTP Apprenticeship College, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at St Mary’s Hospital and is designed to give young people an entry path to a career within Health and Social Care.

The programme is comprised of a 6-month Pre-Apprenticeship, followed by an Apprenticeship for up to 18 months, with a range of rewarding careers on offer.

How can I get onto the programme?

Every year the CfYP and HTP Teams attend careers events, including assemblies in schools, to promote the programme. Any young person who is interested is encouraged to fill out our quick enquiry form (or click the button above). We host selection days where learners are recruited based on NHS Care Values.

What will I learn?

During your initial Pre-Apprenticeship placements, you will gain skills and knowledge in Healthcare Support and Non-Clinical Support Services. At first you’ll observe practitioners at work, learning the importance of each area of Health & Social Care. You’ll have the opportunity to work towards your Care Certificate and ask questions before being able to take an active role yourself, with full support.

Healthcare Support: Community Care and Mental Health Services

Activities on Pre-Apprenticeship placement will include (but are not limited to):

• Washing, dressing and feeding patients where help is needed.
• Pampering – hair, nails etc.
• Helping to transfer or mobilise.
• Assisting with dressings, supporting limbs etc.
• Support activities: crafts, jigsaws, quizzes, bingo, singalong etc.
• Making beds and managing linen stores.
• Companionship – listening and communication skills – use of communication aids.
• Talking with patients while a clinician is busy/note writing etc.
• Finding / navigating to addresses for visits.
• Making and answering phone calls about appointments and visits.
• IT skills – creation of documents / posters / lists.
• Printing / filing / laminating documents.
• Tidying and sorting equipment/resource areas.
• Finding information or resources for staff or patients.

What comes next? An Apprenticeship!

Once you have successfully completed your Pre-Apprenticeship, you will progress to an Apprenticeship. Each programme is designed to take you to the next level of competence in your chosen career by giving you the new skills, knowledge and behaviours you’ll need to progress and succeed.

Your Apprenticeship options are:

• Level 2 Adult Social Care Qualification
• Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker

You’ll become a full-time member of staff with an official contract of employment. You’ll also earn a salary, along with holiday pay and other employment benefits.

As an Apprentice you will be supported to consider your next steps after your fixed-term contract, receiving support to apply for substantive posts within Health & Social Care and guidance on accessing further relevant courses and training including Higher Education courses where appropriate, such as Degree Apprenticeships in Healthcare and Business.