Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeship with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position. However, international applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. The trust welcomes applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Job Overview
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Customer Service Level 2 Apprentice. This 15-month full-time apprenticeship program commences in May 2026 and provides an excellent opportunity to gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification while developing valuable customer service and administrative skills within a respected healthcare organization.
About Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. We are one of the UK’s leading specialist children’s hospitals, with three strategic aims: Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health. We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings.
Our Values and Culture
We’re proud that 73% of our colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire. Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.
Apprenticeship Details
This is a 15-month, full-time apprenticeship program offering competitive pay of £14,722 per annum. The apprenticeship provides a structured learning environment where you’ll gain practical experience while studying for your Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification. The program offers excellent career pathways in both corporate and patient-facing services, with opportunities for growth within different departments at the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
As a Customer Service Apprentice, you will be reporting into your Work-based Mentor and learn to provide exceptional customer service across different departments, both internally and externally. Your responsibilities will include communicating with customers using various methods such as phone, email, and in-person interactions. You’ll also develop IT skills to help administer customer service tasks and handle confidential information appropriately.
Daily Duties
Your daily responsibilities will include answering and managing telephone calls, supporting administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and assisting with daily operations. You’ll engage with a range of professionals and service users to ensure high-quality service delivery. This is an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in customer service while working in a healthcare environment.
Learning and Development
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll receive comprehensive training and support to develop your customer service and administrative skills. The program is designed to help you grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to our team. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and build a network of contacts within the NHS.
Requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 8-3 (A*-D) or equivalent, which must include Maths and English. Other literacy and numeracy qualifications may also be accepted, but please enquire if you’re unsure. You should have basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and be able to carry out tasks accurately following instruction.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, having ECDL/CLAIT or equivalent qualifications, or a formal typing/word processing qualification would be advantageous. Experience in administrative work or voluntary settings is also desirable, as is experience of dealing with the public on the telephone or face-to face, and experience of team working.
Personal Attributes
We’re looking for individuals who are committed to completing the Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship. You should be willing to travel to meet the demands of the post and able to carry out the duties of the role with reasonable adjustments where necessary. The ability to work to deadlines and work with limited supervision while seeking advice when appropriate would also be beneficial.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential skills for this role include basic computer skills such as using email and internet to send and retrieve information. You should be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues, service users, and members of the public. Knowledge of other Microsoft packages such as Access and PowerPoint, as well as administrative working processes and procedures, would be advantageous.
Information Sessions
To help you learn more about this apprenticeship opportunity, we are hosting online information sessions on Thursday 26th February from 2pm – 3pm and Thursday 19th March from 2pm – 3pm. To gain access to the MS Teams link, please contact anne-marie.lynch2@nhs.net. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions and understand more about the role and the apprenticeship program.
Interview Process
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a Group activity and assessment workshop at our Napier Street offices from 9am until 1pm on the 10th April. Following this, individual interviews will take place on Monday 13th April on MS Teams. Please ensure you are available for both dates if you are shortlisted.
UK Work Eligibility
Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations, you must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens, hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK or EU resident for the last three years. You should have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. You must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is standard procedure for roles involving contact with vulnerable individuals, including children and young people.
How to Apply
Apply via NHS Jobs website. International applicants should verify their visa eligibility with the employer before applying. Ensure you have all required documentation ready, including proof of qualifications, right to work information, and any relevant criminal record certificates. For questions about the job, contact Anne-Marie Lynch (Apprentice and Work Experience Coordinator) at anne-marie.lynch2@nhs.net or call 01143053355.
Benefits of Joining Sheffield Children’s
We offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, including generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts to help you thrive at work and beyond. As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children’s health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Our Location
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is located at Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH. The trust serves Sheffield and surrounding areas, providing specialist healthcare to children and young people. Sheffield is a vibrant city in South Yorkshire with excellent transport links, affordable living costs, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities.
Professional Development
This apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for a career in customer service or administrative roles within the NHS or other healthcare organizations. The skills and qualifications you gain will be transferable to various roles across multiple sectors, providing you with a solid foundation for future career advancement and professional development.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Anne-Marie Lynch (Apprentice and Work Experience Coordinator) at anne-marie.lynch2@nhs.net or call 01143053355. For more information about Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, visit our website at https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team.