Job Description

The Finance Apprenticeship programme is an exciting opportunity that will enable you to train to become an Accounts Assistant through a work-based learning arrangement.



Finance is a rewarding career, with the chance to make a significant difference within Hywel Dda University Health Board. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as are demonstrating the Health Board values through everything you do.



The Hywel Dda University Health Board Finance Apprenticeship programme combines a variety of courses, providing a direct pathway to an Accounts Assistant role within the Health Board. On completion of the programme, you will be AAT qualified up to Level 4 and be eligible to apply for AAT full member status, without the tuition debt to accompany. You will be learning whilst you earn throughout the programme.



During the programme there will be Gateway Reviews, with the first taking place 3 months into your apprenticeship. The Gateway Reviews check your progress to ensure you are receiving the right support to succeed and that your motivation and commitment is maintained.



There are pay increments (subject to change in line with the Agenda for Change pay reviews) associated with passing your Gateway Review, once competencies have been met your pay will reflect the skills demonstrated. Please refer to the Information Booklet attached for more information.



Finance Qualification Pathway



Level 2 AAT Certificate (12 months) - > Level 3 AAT Diploma (12 months) - > Level 4 AAT Diploma (18 months)



When you have qualified, you will be expected to remain employed with the Health Board for a minimum of two years.



Working alongside finance professionals, this programme will give you an insight into accounting within Health Care and support you to develop skills in bookkeeping, costing, and preparing financial statements and the business environment.



This role will allow you to become familiar with finance and accounting within the NHS. Throughout the programme, you will still be supported by your mentor, the college, and the Apprenticeship Academy team.



As your role progresses, your competencies will increase in line with your learning.



Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.



We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.



We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

Four main hospitals:

Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest

Five community hospitals:

Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire

Two integrated care centres:

Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings

47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers

Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services



What does the Finance Apprenticeship Programme involve?



A comprehensive induction which will prepare you for your role within the Health Board

You will be supported by a workplace mentor, an experienced finance professional

You will have paid time off to develop your learning through studying with the learning providers

You will have an academic mentor assigned from the learning providers at each stage

You will attend workshops where you will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas



You will work towards vocational qualifications, building the levels as you grow in confidence and experience.

What qualifications will I achieve?



Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship (if on full programme)



o Level 2 AAT Certificate



o Application of Number Essential Skill Level 1



o Communication Essential Skill Level 1



o Essential Digital literacy Skills Level 1



Level 3 Apprenticeship



o Level 3 AAT Diploma



o Application of Number Essential Skill Level 2



o Communication Essential Skill Level 2



o Essential Digital literacy Skills Level 2



Level 4 AAT Diploma



What are the entry requirements for the Finance Apprentice Programme?



You must be aged 18+ in September 2025

You must hold a minimum of three A level passes (or equivalent) with a minimum of 96 UCAS points cumulatively. If you are waiting on A level (or equivalent) results your predicted grades must be a minimum of 96 UCAS points cumultivately. Evidence of actual or predicted will be requried on the Assessment Day . If not already done so at the Assessment Day, you will be required to provide proof of your actual results prior to commencing the role and failure to obtain the minimum standard of 96 UCAS points cumulatively will mean that your offer on the programme will be rescinded. It is desirable, but not essential, that these qualifications are related to finance and/or accounting.

You must have current right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last three years

You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

You must be able to demonstrate a willingness to work hard and a commitment to finance

You must be committed to studying and working simultaneously which requires a high level of dedication

You must not be in any formal government-funded education at the time of starting the Finance Apprentice Programme



If interested, please complete the attached application form before the closing date. In the section 'Supporting Information' we would like to you to tell us why you think you should be selected for this opportunity in 100 - 200 words per question.



Why are you applying to be a Finance Apprentice? Why do you think you would make a good learner? Why would you like to work for Hywel Dda University Health Board?

Virtual information sessions will be held to allow you the opportunity to join and ask questions regarding the vacancy. Please click on the following links to register your attendance;



16th July - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/687a60f4-52c4-4b41-9a5a-18635e0eea15@bb5628b8-e328-4082-a856-433c9edc8fae



24th July - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/59522c0f-fd16-47e9-9366-d77392b23cc1@bb5628b8-e328-4082-a856-433c9edc8fae



Once the closing date has passed, those who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an assessment day. The assessment day will comprise of a variety of activities including interview and scenario work. The assessment day will give you a chance to meet Health Board staff including the Apprenticeship Academy Team.



Please bring along documentation to the assessment day including a form of photo ID (passport or driving licence including provisional), evidence of national insurance, 2x proof of address (utility bill or bank statement within the last 3 months) and evidence of GCSE results for Maths and English.



Due to learning provider start dates, the start date for this role is 4th September 2025. You will need to be available to attend college from this week



Assessment day will be held on 14th August 2025.



Everyone who attends the assessment day will be invited to attend a feedback day, where we will discuss the outcome of the assessment day with you.



If you are successfully recruited, you will start your employment as a Finance Apprentice with Hywel Dda University Health Board in September 2025. Those not successful this time around will be offered support from the Health Board, local College, Careers Wales Centre and Job Centre.



Why apply for an apprenticeship in Hywel Dda University Health Board?



Apprenticeships are great first step into a career in the NHS

Apprenticeships combine practical training with paid employment ('learn while you earn')

An opportunity to work alongside experienced staff to support you and help gain the practical skills you need

You gain nationally recognised qualifications, with no tuition fees

A potential first step to professional training

A great experience, working as part of a team, making a real difference



Invest in your future. Come and join the Hywel Dda family. There's no better place to #TrainWorkLive



We are committed to being transparent and supportive around our recruitment processes. We want to support you to perform at your best through identifying and supporting reasonable adjustments where appropriate. If you would like to discuss this further, at any stage of the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Apprenticeship Academy team in advance on apprenticeship.academy@wales.nhs.uk