Job summary

Are you passionate about providing care to children, young people and their families?

Do you want to carve out a career in one of the most innovative and research driven paediatric hospitals in the world?

Join us as a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Apprentice! Working within one our specialist units, you will join a multi-professional team throughout the 18 month programme. Have opportunities to learn and build a strong foundation of care and clinical skills within a supportive team, gaining real world experience within a committed environment delivering high quality and compassionate care to children, young people and their families.

On successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will be instated into a permanent Healthcare Assistant (Band 3) role within your placement area, opening the doors to further development and apprenticeship pathways at GOSH.

You must have:

• Previous experience in working with the public and within a team
• GCSE level 4-9 in English and Mathematics or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent is essential - (these must be clearly stated in your application form and certificates must be provided prior to interview).
• Able to demonstrate you are caring, compassionate and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Main duties of the job
The Process:
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification document carefully and all the supporting information.

We are offering a virtual information session where you can find out more about the role and apprenticeship on Monday 19th October 2026 at 12:00 - 13:00

Please email nursing.jobs@gosh.nhs.uk to register your place and to be sent the online joining link!

If you are successfully shortlisted for this opportunity, you will be contacted by our apprenticeship training provider, Dynamic Training to vet your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be invited to attend GOSH for a face to face interview day during week commencing Monday 18th November 2026.

Start Date:
The provisional start date is Monday 22nd February (subject to change depending on service and training provider enrolment requirements).

This vacancy will close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Job responsibilities

Please note:

This is an entry level healthcare role and as such is not suitable for candidates who possess prior healthcare experience in an acute setting either with or without a Care Certificate.

Should your experience include proficiency in any clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, recording vital signs, ECGs, wound dressings, catheter care, blood glucose monitoring, moving and handling or personal cares), this will likely render you not eligible (over-experienced) for this particular entry level apprenticeship.

If you already possess a Care Certificate (via NHS employment, not online) then you are welcome to apply for any of our current Band 3 Healthcare Assistant vacancies which can be found via this link: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/working-us/current-jobs/

Person Specification

Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential

• GCSE grade 4-9 or Functional Skills Level 2 pass in English and Mathematics or Equivalent recognised qualification

Desirable

• Certificate in Basic Food Hygiene

Experience/Knowledge
Essential

• Experience of dealing with the public
• Experience of working within a team
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of child/young person and their families. Including: Nutrition and hydration, Dignity and respect, Infection control, Safeguarding vulnerable people, Health promotion, Confidentiality

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the health service
• Knowledge and experience of giving care in a multi-cultural environment

Skills/Abilities
Essential

• Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients, families and colleagues, verbally and in writing
• To have good IT skills
• Able to carry out administrative and clerical duties appropriate to their work area
• Has the ability to recognise situations that require reporting and demonstrates the ability to escalate to a senior person where appropriate

Desirable

• Able to organise and conduct own work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such 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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 1BH, United Kingdom
Contact: Nursing Education Team, talentforcare@gosh.nhs.uk

This employer is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities are particularly encouraged.