Our application system opens in April and closes in June. You must apply online by visiting the NHS Jobs Website - find out more on our how to apply page. Full details of the application process, background data and links to more information are given on NHS Jobs. Please read the job description and person specification carefully and tailor your response accordingly.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria?

You’ll need to have gained three A Levels at a minimum C grade or above (can include Welsh Bacc) or equivalent qualification by September of the year of entry. You will also need to gain a B in GCSE Mathematics.

Through our assessment process you must be able to demonstrate your passion, drive and determination in pursuing a finance career in the public sector and NHS Management. We are looking for individuals who role model NHS values and behaviours.

This programme is specifically targeting individuals who are looking for an alternative to University but still desire the same long-term career prospects in finance and accountancy.

Q3. Do I need management experience?

The programme is designed to develop your financial management, general management and leadership skills. If you have substantial financial management or general management experience, or certain financial qualifications, then this programme is not for you and you should explore other personal development options.

Q4. Will it help my application if I have some work experience in the NHS?

It isn’t essential, but it will be useful in helping you understand the big challenges of leading in the modern NHS.

Q5. Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for applications to be an NHS finance apprentice.

Q6. If I already work for the NHS, should I tell my organisation I am applying for this programme?

We recommend you consult with your HR Department, in confidence, before you submit your application.

Q7. How can I find out about the progress of my application?

If you are invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process, you will receive your invitation via email. You are advised to check your email accounts regularly and if you have any queries please email us on finance.academy@wales.nhs.uk. marking your email FAO Apprentice Programme.

Q8. What kind of assessment can I expect?

There will be two stages to the assessment process, an online application and an interview. We apply best practice, modern assessment techniques that are designed to give you every opportunity to demonstrate your potential. You will be made aware of the standards, competences and skills we are seeking at each stage. Part of our assessment is about your potential to develop key skills as well as those that you already possess and demonstrate competencies and behaviours in line with NHS Wales core principles.

Every part of the assessment has been designed to assess you and your potential. The final details of the assessment process are still being finalised.

Q9. How can I prepare for the assessment to give my best?

You need to be yourself and apply your natural ability at each assessment stage. You will need to review the available information about the programme and the big challenge of leading in NHS Wales. The website information gives you more detail about the selection assessment and can help you bring yourself up to speed about the understanding both the strategic direction and financial environment and the challenges facing NHS Wales.

Q10. When do the assessment stages take place?

A full timetable of the different assessment stages is available on this website. We will keep applicants informed at each stage by email.

Q11. How much will I be paid during the Scheme?

Your starting salary will be circa £19,000 with annual increments.

If you are already employed in the NHS on different terms and conditions to the advertised position, you will need to discuss your application with your employer (any issue of protection of terms and conditions will be at the discretion of the employing organisation concerned), so it is important that the HR Department are aware of your interest in the programme before you apply.

Q12. Where will I be based?

As an NHS Wales Finance Apprentice, you will be based with a host organisation in NHS Wales, but will also gain experience of different finance roles in one or more organisations across NHS Wales. This scheme also gives you the unique opportunity of spending time with other public bodies. Due to our innovative partnership with other Wales Public Sector Bodies we are excited to offer you the opportunity to take part in secondments to gain valuable insight and experience into other public sector services.

We will ask you to identify your preferred location(s) for the vacancies we have within NHS Wales prior to the Assessment Centre process.

Please note that, whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with your preferred choice, if you are selected for the programme we will try and ensure every effort is made to match you to your preferred location.

There will be a requirement to travel to undertake your AAT studies.

Q13. What support and development will I get during the programme?

The programme will stretch you and give you the opportunity to develop your financial management and leadership skills whilst studying for a professional accountancy qualification through an intense development experience, learning to work alongside clinicians and other professionals.

Apprentices will receive development support from the host organisation and the Finance Academy throughout the three-year programme including performance discussions and feedback on a regular basis to make sure that the apprentice learns and develops their financial management skills “on the job”.

During your three-year programme, you will develop specific personal and professional financial skills and expertise for future roles. These skills will be developed though the experience of successful financial management within the roles and you will be supported to manage your own personal development through learning logs and progress reviews. The programme will provide skill development workshops, studying for a formal professional accountancy technician qualification and a mentor and buddy who will help with your personal development and growth.

Q14. Will I be able to study for a formal qualification?

As part of the programme, you will study and complete a Technical Accountancy qualification with a recognised Accounting Body (AAT levels 2-4). We expect you to achieve this qualification in order to complete the programme.

Please note, there are set eligibility requirements in order to undertake an apprenticeship. These will be discussed with you during the assessment process.

Q15. How will my progress be measured during the programme?

Designed as a three year programme with continuous performance assessment and formal assessment points as you progress. Your development targets and academic progress will be discussed, agreed, recorded and reported. Your line manager will discuss your performance with you at every opportunity and your development will be shaped by these shared discussions.

During the three-year programme, you will develop specific personal and professional financial skills to prepare you for future roles.. The programme will provide you with skills development workshops, the opportunity to study for a recognised accountancy technician qualification and a mentor and buddy who will help with your personal development and growth.

There is a clear and transparent performance management process that is managed by the Finance Academy in partnership with your organisation.

If you have satisfactorily performed against the objectives and competences at each yearly stage including passing the relevant accountancy technician exams you should progress to the following year.

In the event of difficulties you will be given an opportunity to improve and the Finance Academy and the HR Department will manage your performance through the host organisation’s capability procedures, which may mean that you would not progress to the next year.

In the event of failing exams at any stage discussions will take place with the accountancy academic team, your line manager, HR and Finance Academy which may result in you not progressing to the next year.

Q16. What kind of job opportunities can I expect to have once I have completed the training Scheme?

Although there is not a guarantee of a permanent position at the end of the programme, the Health Boards, NHS Trusts and NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership have pledged their support for further development opportunities to be made available to NHS Wales Finance Apprentices who are part of this programme. We will provide career support and coaching for our emerging leaders to tackle the big challenges in a wide range of finance roles across NHS Wales.

Q17. Do I have to be a Welsh speaker?

Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. You will not be required to speak Welsh as part of your role, and candidates who do not speak Welsh will be considered equally alongside those that do speak it.

The Welsh language forms a vibrant part of our culture and in many parts of Wales, you will hear Welsh spoken as an everyday language. You may wish to learn Welsh and if so you will find your organisation is committed to supporting you to learn.