Tissue Bank Support Worker Apprentice

70% top of Band 2 until 12 months left on programme, it will then increase to 75% top of Band 2

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work.

Funding is only available for those who meet the government apprenticeship eligibility criteria. There is a three-year residency requirement rule. Please check if you are eligible.

Job Summary

As an Apprentice Tissue Bank Support Worker, you will learn how to support the day-to-day work of the Tissue Bank while working towards becoming fully competent in the role. With guidance and support from experienced colleagues, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to maintain clean and safe working areas, prepare equipment and paperwork, manage stock and supplies, and follow important procedures to help ensure tissues and grafts are handled safely. Through on-the-job learning and your apprenticeship programme, you will build confidence, take on increasing responsibility, and contribute to providing a high-quality service

Main duties of the job

In this role you will study towards the Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship whilst working as part of a team to support and assist in the work of the Tissue Bank. Typically your responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out duties related to the cleaning of the laboratory clean rooms, equipment and storage areas to ensure a clean environment for the processing, storage and release of tissue grafts and implants.
• Working flexibly across the range of activities as rostered and assisting in developing the service in anticipation of future clinical needs.
• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory stocks and supplies on a daily basis to help optimise use of consumables and reduce wastage.
• Check and distribute incoming goods in a timely manner. Prepare stores orders, record receipt of goods inward.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to a weight of 15kgs, with and without the use of mechanical aids.
• Any other opportunities that will enable you to successfully attain your apprenticeship.

On occasions you will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which may involve working irregular hours & for which prior notice will be given.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Will gain experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of Tissue and Eye services would be desirable but not essential for this role.

Qualifications and Training

• Commitment to studying towards and completing the Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship with Healthcare Science Diploma.
• Willingness to complete the Level 1 Maths and English Functional Skills if GCSE equivalents have not been achieved Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.

By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

• Flexible working options we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
• Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
• Health and wellbeing support we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.

You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:

• Read about our application process
• Learn more about our culture at NHSBT

To learn more, please see the job description and person specification. These can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.

Next steps

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 12th August 2026.

The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held on 24th August 2026 subject to confirmation.

By submitting your application, you agree for your information to be shared with our training provider, CSR Group.

You will be contacted by email, prior to your interview, by CSR Group regarding BKSB Assessments. These assessments are used to assess your current working level and learning requirements. They are not subject to a pass or fail.

For informal enquiries please contact

Name: Elly Rawson

Job Title: Production Unit Manager Tissue and Eye Services

Contact Details: Email Elly.Rawson@nhsbt.nhs.uk and/or Phone 0151 268 7104