Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to progress in their careers; we have many Apprenticeship pathways available in the Trust, from nursing, allied health professions to finance and business.
As an apprentice at UHSussex you will gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst working and gaining experience.
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you will have the experience, transferable skills and opportunities to remain in employment within the Trust and grow your career.
What are apprenticeships?
- Nationally recognised qualification, made up of occupational standards, ranging from level 2 (intermediate) to level 7 masters (Advanced Clinical Practitioner)
- Earn while you learn – all apprentices are paid using the agenda for change scale relevant to their apprenticeship role Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers
- Includes functional Skills – Maths and English offered alongside the apprenticeship if required
- Virtual or blended learning delivery
- Off the job learning (protected learning in the workplace)
You can find all the apprenticeship career pathways on our career pathways tool
The length of time it takes to complete our apprenticeships are:
- Level 2 – these are equivalent to GCSE qualifications
- Level 3 – these are equivalent to A-level qualifications
- Level 4 or 5 – these are equivalent to a foundation degree.
- Level 5 or 6 – these are equivalent to a degree.
- Level 7 – these are equivalent to a master’s degree.
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
Entry requirements
Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is:
- 16 years old or over
- Living in England (UK residence in the last 3 years)
- Not in full-time education (but you can apply while still a student)
- For more information visit Gov.UK and Skills England.
Staff only
Staff already employed at University Hospitals Sussex should discuss apprenticeship opportunities with their line manager or education and apprenticeship team, and ensure that this is recorded in their appraisal or personal development plan.
Visit Staffhub for more information (staff only).
How to apply
Case studies
Emma Bentley, finance apprentice
What apprenticeship are you studying and what does the study involve?
I am studying my level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship within the financial reporting team in the Finance department at St Richards Hospital. During my 7 months at the trust so far I have studied a range of areas within my apprenticeship course such as; costing, book keeping, financial accounts and spreadsheets. I have been able to use these skills and knowledge to help me progress within my role in the finance department.
Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?
I have finished my Level 2 AAT course at college and wanted to progress onto the level 3 course, however to do this I needed to find an apprenticeship course. I did not want to go to university so I thought the apprenticeship route would be best for me.
How did you get into your current role?
I came into this role as an apprentice after looking on the ‘find an apprenticeship’ section on the government website. The NHS was never a place I was looking at, but when I saw the application online I researched the role and our trust further and had to apply.
What has been your proudest achievement on your apprenticeship to date?
My proudest achievements so far have been split with both my apprenticeship work and my work within the finance department. Over my college work I have been achieving above 70% in my exams achieving these results in Booking keeping and Indirect tax. Within my work in the finance department, by proudest achievement so far Is my contribution in improving our ‘Bike Scheme’ which involved setting up the salary sacrifice scheme.
What do you want to do once you complete your apprenticeship?
Once I have completed my apprenticeship I would like to gain a permanent position within the department I am now. I would also like to complete the level 4 AAT course with the trust to further build my knowledge and career within the NHS.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If you are thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship, I would say 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
What apprenticeship are you studying and what does the study involve?
I am 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. These days involve combining the knowledge from my own studies with the things I have learnt on the teaching days. This allows me to complete my modules for the diploma.
Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?
I saw this apprenticeship come up on the NHS jobs website and saw it was based in the maternity unit. This area of the NHS has always interested me. By doing an apprenticeship I felt this is the best way for me to increase my depth of knowledge and understanding within the maternity unit.
How did you get into your current role?
I got into this role by applying through the NHSJobs website. Once I submitted my application I was invited for an interview and was lucky enough to be offered the post.
What has been your proudest achievement on your apprenticeship to date?
My proudest achievement so far would be how much I have improved on my professional and personal learning and knowledge throughout my time on the apprenticeship. 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.
What do you want to do once you complete your apprenticeship?
Once I have completed my apprenticeship I would like to progress onto the Trainee Nurse Associate apprenticeship or gain a permeant role in the trust while studying in further education to become a qualified midwife.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If you are thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship, I would say go for it! I would recommend the apprenticeship to someone who willing to take on a job and also study at the same time. There is a lot of academic work involved in completing this apprenticeship as well as working in the job role.
