Apprentice Medical Laboratory Assistant (Laboratory Technician)

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Job Overview

A brand new exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Cellular Pathology Department as an Apprentice Medical Lab Assistant!

We're seeking an individual who is passionate about progressing in a healthcare science career with a particular interest in Cellular Pathology. Applicants should be enthusiastic, adaptable individuals who would enjoy working as part of a friendly team providing the Cellular Pathology service in this busy department.

The Cellular Pathology Department at Southmead Hospital provides a comprehensive service (Histopathology, Cytopathology and Immunohistochemistry) to the two acute Trusts in Bristol, local GPs and other centres in the south west. The work is varied, covering all specialisms with the exception of Neuropathology.

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, starting five days per week, Monday - Friday). 20% of the working week will be dedicated to off-the-job learning. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and relevant competencies, the successful candidate will progress into a Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant role.

Apprenticeship start date: April 2026

To learn more about Pathology at NBT, watch our video.

Main duties of the job

You will be involved in the day-to-day support work of the Histopathology laboratory, including data-entry, assisting in the reception and preparation of clinical specimens for biological testing, and with the maintenance of equipment and departmental filing systems.

For this varied and interesting Apprentice Medical Laboratory Assistant post, you will need to be passionate about working in healthcare, numerate and literate, be able to work as part of a team, be able to demonstrate adaptability and initiative and have good communication and organisational skills.

Please note to be eligible for the apprenticeship you must:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years
• Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visas issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirements
• Not be currently working towards any other government funded training programme
• Not have a qualification in the same subject at the same level or above that of this apprenticeship
• Hold GCSE Maths , English and Science at minimum of Grade C/4 and be able to evidence this as part of your application
  
  

Working for our organisation

The Histopathology department has a strong team working environment, always looking to improve to enhance not only the service we provide our users but also the experiences we offer our team. Being a large department you will gain knowledge and experience across a wide range of activities and specimens.

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties

Work according to the Standard Operating Procedures as documented

Work within established Health and Safety guidelines

To maintain safe and efficient standards of work, following codes of practice

To participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures

Assisting the MLA team with wider duties where experience and training allow

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Numerate and literate (minimum 4 GCSE’s, or equivalent, incl. Maths & English & a Science at grade C/4)
  
  

Work Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrate understanding of health and safety risks relevant to the department
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of Histopathology and its role in healthcare
• Effective key board skills including data input experience and experience with MS Office

Effective communication skills

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  
  

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• A desire to work in healthcare
  
  

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.

North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.