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Entry Routes

Whether you are a school leaver,  college leaver, graduate or just looking for a change in career; there are many different entry routes into a career in NHS Finance, have a look at our career map here.  There are specific training schemes available explained below, but also you can join an NHS finance department directly. There are around 16,000 finance staff in the NHS, so have a read below on the different opportunities available to you and how you can join this vital workforce.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a real paid job combined with training.  An NHS Apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications all at the same time.

Individual NHS employers such as provider trusts often offer apprenticeships in finance-based roles which provide an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time. On many occasions, you may be offered permanent employment at the end of your apprenticeship period; some who have entered by this route have gone onto senior positions within NHS finance!

An Apprenticeship gives you both experience and qualifications a great foundation for your NHS finance career.  Typically Apprentices will spend 80% of their time on the job and 20% off the job learning, gaining qualifications.  You have to be 16 years old but there is no upper age limit.

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Placement Schemes

Many NHS organisations across the country offer one year finance placements for undergraduates studying finance related degrees. A year in NHS finance gives you an opportunity to put what you are learning at university into practice, in a real life situation where your work contributes to patient care. You will get on-going support from your line manager and colleagues, with opportunities for training and development throughout the year. Experience gained throughout the placement can contribute towards future CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or ICAEW practical experience requirements. After the placement you will be in a strong position to apply for a place on the NHS Graduate Scheme, or to apply directly for finance related jobs in the NHS.

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NHS Finance Insights placement scheme

The NHS Finance Insights placement scheme offers paid work experience in NHS organisations throughout England to individuals aged 18 and above, who do not plan to attend university and come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The scheme aims to attract diverse talent from local communities served by the NHS into the finance sector. It provides a 12-month experience in an entry-level (band 2) finance role, allowing candidates to develop new skills and gain on-the-job work experience. Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.

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NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme

The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (Finance) is run by the NHS Leadership Academy and is an award winning, nationally recognised scheme. It is available to graduates or in-service
candidates and provides a programme of fully funded qualification and development whilst in a paid role. This enables trainees to support their education with experience over the length of the programme. In addition to the national scheme many organisations run their own local variants, so it is worth checking the website of your local hospital to see what is available in your area.

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Useful Resources on Different Career Paths

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