This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- NHS careers, many of which you can start through an apprenticeship
- 350+
- Source: NHS Health Careers (opens in a new tab)
- Days a week on placement plus one day at college or a training centre
- 4 + 1
- Source: NHS Health Careers (opens in a new tab)
Overview
The NHS is one of the biggest employers in the UK, and more than 350 NHS careers can be reached through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are offered by individual NHS employers, like hospital trusts, rather than one central scheme. The information here covers the NHS in England.
Levels and examples
| Level | Example |
|---|---|
| 2–3 | Senior therapy support worker (Level 3) |
| 4–5 | Nursing associate (Level 5) |
| 6–7 | Podiatry degree apprenticeship (Level 6) |
Apprenticeships take one to five years. A typical week is four days on placement and one day at college or a training centre.
Pay
You’re entitled to at least the apprentice minimum wage, but many NHS employers pay more. NHS Employers guidance says apprentices are paid a percentage of the top of the pay band for the job they’re training for, rising each year on longer programmes. Our apprentice pay guide explains the minimum.
Who can apply
Anyone over 16 can do an NHS apprenticeship. Entry requirements depend on the employer and level: a Level 3 apprenticeship may ask for four or five GCSEs at grades 9–4, while Level 5 and 6 usually need A levels, equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
What they do
The NHS provides healthcare across the UK. Its apprenticeships are offered by individual NHS employers, such as hospital trusts, in clinical roles like nursing and therapy support and in non-clinical roles like IT, finance and estates. The information here is from NHS Health Careers and NHS Employers, which cover the NHS in England.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships
Support roles, such as senior therapy support worker (Level 3)
Level 3 apprenticeships may ask for four or five GCSEs at grades 9–4 or equivalent.
-
Higher apprenticeships
Including nursing associate (Level 5)
Usually need A levels, equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience.
-
Degree apprenticeships
Including podiatry (Level 6) and nursing
Degree-level training for registered professions, usually needing A levels, equivalent qualifications or experience.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Level 3
- May need four or five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) or equivalent. NHS Health Careers. Requirements depend on the employer and apprenticeship.
- Levels 5 and 6
- Usually A levels, equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience. NHS Health Careers.
Who can apply
- Anyone over 16 can do an NHS apprenticeship.
- Each NHS employer, such as a hospital trust, recruits its own apprentices and sets its own requirements.
Our tips for NHS
- NHS apprenticeships are offered by individual employers, so look at hospital trusts and other NHS organisations near you.
- Many NHS employers pay more than the minimum wage. NHS Employers guidance links apprentice pay to a percentage of the pay band for the job you're training for.
- Use NHS Health Careers to see which of the 350+ NHS careers interest you before you search.
Summary
- More than 350 NHS careers can be reached through an apprenticeship, from Level 2 to Level 7.
- Examples include senior therapy support worker (Level 3), nursing associate (Level 5) and podiatry (Level 6).
- Anyone over 16 can apply, and apprenticeships take one to five years.
- Each NHS employer recruits its own apprentices, and many pay more than the minimum wage.
Questions about NHS apprenticeships
Can you do a nursing apprenticeship in the NHS?
Yes. The NHS offers nursing associate apprenticeships at Level 5 and nursing degree apprenticeships, alongside many other roles. Entry requirements depend on the employer.
How much do NHS apprentices get paid?
At least the apprentice minimum wage (£8.00 an hour from April 2026), but many NHS employers pay more. NHS Employers guidance links pay to a percentage of the band you're training for, rising each year on longer programmes.
What qualifications do you need for an NHS apprenticeship?
It depends on the employer and level. A Level 3 apprenticeship may need four or five GCSEs at grades 9–4; Level 5 and 6 usually need A levels, equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
How old do you have to be for an NHS apprenticeship?
Anyone over 16 can do one. Our guide to apprenticeships at 16 explains when you can start.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.