What is a health and science apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in the sector is a practical, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
Health and science covers a broad range of areas, including:
- medicine
- nursing
- healthcare
- science
- dentistry
- exercise and fitness
Career opportunities from a health and science apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:
- nurse or dental nurse
- speech and language therapist
- midwife
- pharmacist
- chemist, biologist, or physicist
- sport scientist
- personal trainer
These are just a few examples. Health and science covers hundreds of different careers.
Podcasts: Nursing and science degree apprenticeships
Find out more about nursing and science with our brand new podcasts on degree apprenticeships. Get all the info you need to know from our expert panel, hosted by Radio 1’s Katie Thistleton.A day in the life of a Nursing Apprentice
Shevy is a nursing apprentice at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
£23,055
2nd most popular sector
Over 150,000
Just be yourself, because personality is so crucial when employers are selecting apprentices. You’ll learn the skills you need to along the way, so it’s much more about whether you can demonstrate why you’re passionate about and interested in science.
There are definitely certain personality traits that are suited to healthcare roles and apprenticeships. Being proactive and organised are essential, as working and studying is challenging. But beyond that you need to have a kind and caring nature, and I’d say be quite a courageous person.
A day in the life of a Biology Apprentice
Sara is a biology apprentice at GSK.
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Pros and considerations
Pros
- You’ll make a difference to people's lives.
- Every day is different.
- You can see the outcomes of your work.
Considerations
- You might have to deal with emotional situations.
- Roles often include shift work and unsociable hours.
- Managing studying and working can be difficult.
Who would suit a health and science apprenticeship?
You might be interested in a health and science apprenticeship if you:
- are passionate about helping people
- want to positively impact the lives of people around you
- enjoy working with people
- are interested in science and how things work
You might be a good fit for a health and science apprenticeship if you:
- are caring and kind
- can deal with emotional situations
- like the idea of each day being different
- can remain calm in stressful situations
- have good attention to detail
Find out more about careers in the NHS
The NHS offers a variety of careers in the health and science sector. Discover what roles are available and tips for applying.
Find out more
FAQs about health and science apprenticeships
How do health and science apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do.
How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. To succeed in the role, you’ll need soft skills like passion, a caring nature, and the ability to work under pressure.
What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?
I think what I love most is that I’m learning but with the benefit of being paid a salary. My apprenticeship is a pathway to a job so it feels a lot more secure than my previous jobs, plus there are loads of post-qualifications I can choose at the end to progress even further.
The perception of apprenticeships has really changed and it’s certainly not a second-class option. Not only does it give you a science degree, but it allows you to work alongside world-leading scientists on really interesting projects that impact the world.
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