Trainee Healthcare Support Worker

Open the door to your NHS career today. Discover how you can earn while you learn.

Join our Healthcare Support Worker development (HCSWD) programme, where you will learn on the job at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust at the Torbay Hospital and Surrounding areas, including Brixham, Totnes, Newton Abbot, and Dawlish over a 6-month period.

Pay Rates: Days: £12.71, Saturdays/Nights: £17.64, Sunday/Bank Hols: £22.90

Why might this job interest you?

During your placement, you’ll work towards achieving the widely recognised Care Certificate with the training you need to become a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). Also known as Healthcare Assistant (HCA). Throughout, you’ll have supportive supervision from your mentor/Ward Manager.

Once you’ve graduated as a HCSW, you can progress your career by accessing further training. This career path may lead to potential roles such as Senior Healthcare Assistant to Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate, enabling further career avenues such as a Nurse or Midwife.

Where will you be working?

You'll be joining an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of the people we support, as well as their families.

We also prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff whatever your skills or experience, there's likely to be a role that suits you.

Whether you prefer working in a city, countryside, or coastal location, Devon offers all three. It really is a great place to live and work.

Main Responsibilities

As a trainee HCSW, you'll learn key skills, such as:

• Meeting the daily living needs of your patients, from hygiene to personal and physical comfort.

• Taking basic observations, explaining treatment and updating patient records.

• Supporting patients with mobility, assisting at mealtimes, as well as speaking with patients.

• Assisting in preparing for clinical procedures and cleaning the environment afterwards.

• Working individually and as part of a team, supporting registered Nurses and other healthcare practitioners in providing patient care.

• Comply with Trust and local policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Infection Prevention and Control.

The benefits we can offer you in return:

• Career progression – Achieve a Care Certificate and begin your healthcare career with the NHS.

• Weekly pay – Access your wages more quickly.

• Join the NHS family – Become part of a respected healthcare team and provide patient care.

• Dedicated training and supervised shifts – Support from your ward / area and skilled mentors.

• Development opportunities via the Trust.

• Webinar support – Regular monthly sessions covering the Care Certificate workbook, Conflict Management training and more.

The Ideal Candidate

What you’ll need:

• At least 3 months healthcare experience within the last 2 years.

• A passion for care as well as following the six enduring values that underpin ‘compassion in practice’. The 6Cs are defined as: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.

• To be over the age of 18 or turning 18 before placement.

• Able to work at least 30 hours a week across earlies, lates and nights during the programme.

What’s next?

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to an interview and assessment day planned for Wednesday 7th October 2026, followed by unpaid classroom training Dates TBC and an induction week before you start plus Trust Specific Training to take place before the placement starts Dates TBC

“As a result of the HCSWD programme, I am now a qualified Healthcare Support Worker and currently pursuing my dream to qualify as a Nurse.” Lynda Akpan, HCSW

Apply Today

Disclaimer

Please note, you will be contacted by email throughout the recruitment process, so please check your emails, including your junk/spam regularly. We regret we cannot contact everyone who is not selected for an interview, therefore if you do not hear from us within 21 days after submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. Good luck