Ward Host Apprentice
About this role
Ward Host Apprentice (Part-Time / Regular)
Location: University Hospital Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD
Job ID: 312318
Employment Type: Permanent, Part-Time Apprenticeship (30 hours per week)
Schedule: Shifts vary by ward and may include early starts, evenings, and weekends (e.g., 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, or weekend shifts like 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
Salary: £12.92 per hour + excellent benefits
Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18–24 to meet apprenticeship funding criteria.
About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
At Supportive Bridge, we connect ambitious, community-minded learners and support professionals with rewarding entry-level careers across the UK healthcare and public sectors. Partnering with leading national service providers, we specialize in placing candidates into stable, supportive apprenticeship roles where you can earn while you learn, gain nationally recognized qualifications, and build a meaningful foundation for your future.
Role Overview
As a Ward Host Apprentice, you will be based at University Hospital Southampton, working as an integral part of our Ward Patient Catering team while completing a formal Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care.
This is the perfect first step into the world of work and healthcare support. You will combine practical day-to-day work experience with dedicated study time, developing vital customer service, hospitality, and healthcare skills while directly improving the patient experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Engagement: Speak with patients, take meal orders using modern tablet-based ordering systems, and help them understand available menu choices and dietary options.
Food & Beverage Service: Safely and efficiently prepare and serve meals, snacks, hot drinks, and cold refreshments.
Trolley & Kitchen Management: Prepare food and beverage trolleys, check temperatures, complete compliance records, and maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic ward kitchen and dining environment.
Collaborative Care: Work closely with NHS clinical teams, kitchen staff, and fellow hosts to provide a respectful, warm, and dependable service to every patient.
What We Are Looking For
No previous experience is required—we are looking for people with the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and genuine care for others.
Requirements:
Age Requirement: Must be aged 18–24 to meet government apprenticeship eligibility criteria.
Personal Attributes: Friendly, approachable, empathetic, and comfortable speaking with people from all backgrounds.
Work Ethic: Reliable, organized, and capable of working effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic hospital environment.
Readiness to Learn: Eager to follow instructions, take responsibility for your professional development, and ask for support when needed.
Vetting Requirement: Ability to successfully complete a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
What We Offer You
Financial Package: Competitive hourly rate of £12.92 per hour.
Leave & Pension: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to buy up to 5 additional leave days each year) and up to a 6% contributory pension scheme.
Apprenticeship & Training: Fully funded Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care, complete induction, structured shadowing, and ongoing coaching.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing apps, 24/7 virtual GP access, and 30% off at managed leisure centres.
Perks & Community: Savings across approximately 1,000 major retailers, a paid volunteering day, tax-free payroll giving, and dedicated employee inclusion networks.
Our Recruitment Process & Equal Opportunities
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with convictions who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview.
Ban the Box: We champion fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions (subject to security/safeguarding exemptions). Reasonable adjustments are fully supported throughout the recruitment journey.