Job Description

Are you interested in training as a Podiatrist?



Would you like to undertake an apprenticeship programme in the North West supported by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC)?



The successful candidate will work as an apprentice Podiatrist within our community Podiatry team and Wirral University Teaching Hospitals Diabetic Foot Clinic, alongside the registered workforce whilst they train to be a Podiatrist. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams across both trusts, gathering a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way.



The Registered Podiatrist degree apprenticeship programme is carried out over 3-years and will be delivered by Salford University of which the cost will be funded by the Trust. You will study alongside other Podiatry apprentices from other Trusts in the North West and the part time programme will allow you more time to manage work, personal life and apply your learning to your role. The course is due to start in September 2025 .



Hear what our current and previous successful candidates have to say:



" I found this opportunity to be very fulfilling, with an amazing support system along the way."



"It was great being able to gain a vast experience of Podiatry whilst training, it really allowed me to link theory with practice."



"Being able to earn and learn at the same time was great as I was still able to support my family whilst developing my own career path."

The successful Candidate will:

be a trainee in Podiatry and will complete a BSc (Hons) Podiatry level 6 apprenticeship which will encompass teaching blocks at University, clinical placements and in the workplace. Become part of a highly motivated team, yet work as an autonomous practitioner without direct reference to a line manager or professional colleagues in both community and acute settings on completion of the programme.

continually develop their skills and ability as they progress through the degree programme so that on completion they can manage and be responsible for a caseload, with supervision from a senior podiatrist/fieldwork educator.

provide a high standard of clinical care.

have a level of responsibility under the duties outlined in this job description which will increase throughout the employee's time on the degree programme.

assess, diagnose, develop and implement individual care programmes for patients with a wide variety of clinical needs, including acute or chronic neuropathies, chronic diseases such as diabetes and connective tissue disorders, vascular problems, wound management and biomechanical conditions.

need to be able to drive and have access to a suitable vehicle for work purposes



Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will move to a permanent band 5 Community Podiatrist position in the Trust.



Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:



Candidates who meet the following entry criteria are invited to apply:



Have an understanding of Podiatry

Any relevant experience

3 GCSE passes at grade C or grade 4 and above including Mathematics, English language/Literature and a science subject. Alternative and equivalent Maths and English qualifications will be accepted.



meet first (undergraduate) degree course eligibility criteria as agreed between the University and Trust, for example:



112 UCAS points from 3 A levels (including either a natural science subject such as biology or chemistry or a social science).

112 UCAS points from BTEC National Diploma (Health and Social care).

Access - approved access to HE Diploma (QAA recognised access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or other science based course).

First degree.



The requirements of the University and the funding do require that you are in possession of the original certificates for your English and Maths and also those certificates that you are using for evidence to meet the entry criteria.

Interviews for this post will take place on 6 August at St Catherine's Health Centre, Birkenhead.



Please see attached job description and person specification for the main duties and responsibilities associated with this role.



Please use the supporting information section in the application form to answer the following 5 questions, to evidence why you feel you are suitable for this opportunity:



Why do you want to be a Podiatrist? Describe your experience working in health and care. Completing a Registered Podiatrist Degree Apprenticeship is a significant commitment of time and energy. What support do you have to take on this, and how do you see managing your time during your study to become a Podiatrist? How do you meet the Trust values? How have you demonstrated your on-going commitment to your continued professional development over the last couple of years?

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information about this opportunity.



The trust acknowledges and supports the statements laid down by the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The postholder will be professionally accountable to the HCPC and accountable contractually to their employer and to the law of their actions.