Apprentice Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Radiation Physics) with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK, all applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly. Even with sponsorship, visa requirements and processes may vary based on your country of origin and individual circumstances. It is essential to confirm all visa details before proceeding with your application.
Job Summary
Applications are invited for the position of Healthcare Scientist Practitioner Apprenticeship within Clinical & Radiation Physics Group of the Directorate of Healthcare Science & Technology at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. This apprenticeship specializes in radiation physics and requires a 3-year commitment.
About the Role
The Clinical and Radiation Physics group provides scientific and technical support services for diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation protection within the NHS, private, and academic sectors. You will be responsible for delivering aspects of the quality assurance programme and radiation protection services for radiology and nuclear medicine equipment.
Salary and Benefits
This position is offered at Band 5 with Annex 21 pay adjustment during the apprenticeship period. The salary progression is as follows:
- Year 1: £24,567
- Year 2: £26,457
- Year 3: £28,347
Contract Details
This is a full-time apprenticeship contract with a duration of 3 years. A permanent role may be offered on successful completion of the training programme and entry onto the appropriate registration (e.g. RCT/AHCS Practitioner register/HCPC).
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must possess the following qualifications:
- Minimum 3 GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent level 2 qualifications)
- Minimum Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy (e.g. Grade C – 5 or above in GCSE Maths and English)
- Level 3 Qualifications equivalent to 96 UCAS Points (A Level grades C/C/C, including at least one relevant STEM subject at 32 points/grade C or higher)
Alternatively, lower grades may be accepted if accompanied by extensive (4+ years) demonstrable experience in a relevant setting such as Healthcare Science. Accepted Level 3 qualifications with extensive relevant demonstrable work experience include:
- A level – a minimum of 64 points (CC), including at least one relevant STEM subject at 32 points/Grade C or higher
- BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science – including pass grades in units that relate to the PTP specialism specified within the application
- BTEC National Extended Diploma – Grade MPP, including at least one relevant STEM subject
- Access to Higher Education Diploma – at least 45 credits achieved at level 3 (15 at merit or above); 15 level 3 credits must be in STEM based units
Essential Experience
Applicants must demonstrate:
- IT skills; intermediate analysis using Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work without direct supervision under relevant operational procedures
Desirable Qualifications
Manual dexterity to accurately position test equipment (desirable but not essential).
Essential Skills and Abilities
Candidates must possess the following essential skills and abilities:
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate effectively
- Able to prioritise, manage and plan work for self
- Ability to work well within a busy environment and meet reasonable deadlines
- Able to carry out accurate practical measurements
- Frequent requirement to concentrate
- Occasional requirement to lift and move equipment (moderate physical effort)
- Ability to deal with occasional distressing circumstances
Main Duties
The main responsibilities of this role include:
- Perform daily technical administration for occupational and environmental monitoring
- Issue and receipt of occupational and environmental monitors
- Liaise with the Approved Dosimetry Service
- Organise calibration of radiation monitoring instruments
- Perform Quality Control measurements on a wide range of complex x-ray and associated devices
- Analyse test results and produce reports of findings
- Maintain records for Clinical Trial activities
About University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence, and great customer care.
Training and Development
Applicants should be eligible for entry onto a healthcare science practitioner apprenticeship (medical physics technology) training programme specialising in radiation physics. The training is provided in partnership with UWE Bristol: Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology) – BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science.
Location
The position is based in the Clinical & Radiation Physics department at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. Plymouth is a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website to submit your application
- Verify your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa with the employer
- Prepare the following documents:
- Up-to-date CV
- Certified copies of your academic qualifications
- English language proficiency certificates if applicable
- Any relevant work experience certificates
- Contact the hiring manager with any specific questions about visa sponsorship
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026. All communication will be electronic, so please check your email account regularly. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact:
- Name: Kate De Burgh (Joint Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics)
- Phone: 01752437953
li>Email: k.deburgh@nhs.net
Further Information
For more information about University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, please visit their website at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/. Their privacy notice can be found at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/privacy-notice.
Equal Opportunities
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring a fair recruitment process.
Flexibility
We recognise that work-life balance is important for our colleagues. We invite requests from applicants around less than full-time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.