Public Health Apprentice

Portsmouth City Council

Hampshire (PO1 2AL)

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 24 June 2026)

Posted on 9 June 2026

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Contents

Summary

For this role you don’t need public health experience.  We’re looking for someone who’s keen to learn, cares about Portsmouth, and wants a job where they can help people. It will give you a thorough understanding of public health and how local government works.  

Wage

£26,473 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Public health practitioner - integrated degree (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7.4 hours per day anytime between 8.30am and 5.00pm

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

2 years 2 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • You will given the opportunity to build your skills and grow your confidence, working with different teams across public health and organisations (for example the council, schools, the NHS and community groups)
  • You may also be involved in project work and helping with projects like healthy weight, stopping smoking, sexual health, mental health or preventing infections whilst being supported by experienced public health staff
  • By the end of the apprenticeship you will be able to measure and report on local health and wellbeing using data and feedback, find and use good evidence including basic research to support decisions, work with policies and plans, understand the decision-making process in local government and help plan and manage projects and programmes
  • Sometimes you may need to be flexible with your time to meet deadlines

Where you'll work

Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2AL

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND, BRISTOL

Training course

Public health practitioner - integrated degree (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • analyse a range of data sets to draw informed conclusions about local public health needs and use of services, contributing to strategic needs assessments and operational service planning
  • provide and present public health information, analysis, interpretation and insight to support decision making, business planning, policy and strategy development, performance monitoring, and quality assurance
  • manage data and information in compliance with policy and protocol and assess and manage risks associated with using and sharing data and information, data security and intellectual property
  • work with communities to facilitate their engagement and participation in needs assessments, service design and delivery, including action to improve access to, and navigation of, local services
  • recognise where health inequalities prevail; determine how they will influence the planning of public health interventions and services; and to apply the evidence appropriately to make the most impact in alleviating these inequalities
  • apply behavioural insights and information about community needs to support healthy choices that individuals might wish to make, and provide individuals, groups and communities with the capabilities to make changes to their behaviours (eg: increasing levels of physical activity), in the context of a wider set of interventions and actions
  • participate effectively in the assessment and management of outbreaks, incidents, and single cases of contamination and communicable disease, locally and across boundaries
  • apply protocol and standard operating procedures related to the management of infectious disease, and in response to civil emergencies and unscheduled events, within the scope of the role
  • help to identify, analyse and manage the local impact of longer-term hazards and risks to health that may play out at a global, national or local level
  • communicate the risks and benefits of immunisation and screening programmes to a range of audiences eg: health professionals, parents, people from a range of cultures
  • use appropriate methods to access and appraise evidence gained through systematic methods and through engagement with the wider research community
  • critique published and unpublished research, synthesise the evidence and draw appropriate conclusions
  • report and advise on the implications of the evidence base for the most effective practice; to define problems and shape solutions; and to help in the delivery of value for money
  • present an evidence based narrative that is suitably adjusted to inform different types of audiences with different levels of health literacy
  • use and adapt appropriate research techniques and principles to evaluate local services and interventions to contribute to the local evidence-base for effectiveness
  • monitor, evaluate and disseminate (report) the impact of health and care projects, services and interventions, including quality impact
  • engage stakeholders (including service users) in service design and development, to deliver accessible and equitable person-centred services
  • implement standards, protocols and procedures, incorporating national ‘best practice’ guidance into local delivery systems
  • appraise and implement government-led policies and strategies locally (eg: ensuring the equitable and effective implementation of winter fuel schemes to prevent deaths from cold; the implementation of the NHS Health Check programme)
  • assess the impact and benefits of health and other policies and strategies on the public’s health and health inequalities (eg: using health impact assessment approaches or tools)
  • develop or implement actions plans, with, and for, specific groups and communities, to deliver outcomes identified in strategies and policies
  • evaluate one’s own interpersonal skills, and adapt to different situations through a developed proficiency in negotiation, influencing, diplomacy, mediation, facilitation
  • use appropriate methods to establish and sustain effective working relationships with local partners in order to bring about positive outcomes in the health and wellbeing of the local population
  • work collaboratively with colleagues across a broad range of partnership organisations to identify local needs, agree priorities, and deliver on action plans for joint health improvement programmes or services across the area
  • interact with other specialists and colleagues to improve health and reduce health inequalities through the development, monitoring and review of public health programmes, including the commissioning and delivery of these programmes
  • ensure, where relevant, that tendering and procurement processes are managed appropriately and within policy and legislative requirements when commissioning, planning or providing a range of services to bring about improvements in the public’s health (including the drawing up and negotiation of service specifications and performance indicators)
  • facilitate positive contractual relationships understanding how disagreements and changes can be managed within legislative and operational frameworks
  • Operate appropriately within the decision making, administrative and reporting processes that support political and democratic systems
  • present a compelling case for action to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities, using appropriate methods to capture and interpret the evidence
  • use appropriate community engagement techniques to support individuals and communities to have more control over decisions that affect them while promoting health equity, equality and justice
  • respond constructively to political and other tensions while encouraging a focus on the interests of the public’s health
  • to engender trust by acting reliably with integrity, consistency and purpose
  • work effectively within a team that is collectively responsible for leading and managing areas of public health business including the management or supervision of staff, resources or finances
  • use appropriate leadership skills to engage others, build relationships, manage conflict, encourage contribution and sustain commitment to deliver shared objectives
  • adapt to change, manage uncertainty, solve problems, and align clear goals with lines of accountability in complex and unpredictable environments
  • communicate complex information and concepts, including health outcomes, inequalities and life expectancy, to a range of different audiences using different methods (e.g.: exploiting the evolving opportunities of digital capability and dependency, and the associated need for some audiences to be assisted with digital communications)
  • work with communities to facilitate their engagement and participation in action to improve access to, and navigation of, local services and interventions, and to improve health literacy where it is a barrier to access
  • apply a range of tools and technologies to improve health literacy where it is creating a barrier to accessing services and information
  • manage public perception of health risks or solutions, and convey key messages using a range of media processes
  • consult, and listen to individuals, groups and communities likely to be affected by planned intervention or change
  • engage stakeholders and work collaboratively with colleagues across a broad range of partnership organisations to identify local needs, agree priorities and develop action plans for joint public health programmes across boundaries
  • support the development, monitoring and review of public health programmes; identifying risks to delivery and the appropriate risk and issue reporting mechanisms; and re-assessing delivery schedules and methods to respond constructively to change
  • develop projects and plans with key stakeholders and partner agencies to address local public health needs and bring about improvements in identified areas. Lead or contribute to delivery of these projects as appropriate within the scope of your role
  • identify the resources needed to develop and deliver new public health activity, or to sustain public health services and interventions, and how these resources might be sourced
  • help to determine shared priorities and action plans for public health programmes working with colleagues both from within the same organisation and across a range of other agencies
  • build capacity and capability across the field of operation to increase impact and effectiveness of public health programmes and interventions, engaging with professional colleagues, and other groups of workers or volunteers who make up the wider public health workforce
  • use appropriate tools and methods to appraise ethical tensions and to make decisions that promote ethical practice
  • think and write reflectively about one’s own practice, lessons learned, and things that can be done differently for better outcomes eg: to keep a reflective log as part of one’s continuing professional development
  • demonstrate professional characteristics throughout the course of one’s work eg: engendering trust; assuring confidentiality where appropriate; understanding one’s own limitations in terms of capability, accountability and expertise; the addressing of risks and issues in a timely and appropriate manner
  • demonstrate awareness of personal impact on others, both fellow professionals, external partners and members of the public
  • analyse a range of data sets to draw informed conclusions about local public health needs and use of services, contributing to strategic needs assessments and operational service planning
  • provide and present public health information, analysis, interpretation and insight to support decision making, business planning, policy and strategy development, performance monitoring, and quality assurance
  • manage data and information in compliance with policy and protocol and assess and manage risks associated with using and sharing data and information, data security and intellectual property
  • work with communities to facilitate their engagement and participation in needs assessments, service design and delivery, including action to improve access to, and navigation of, local services
  • recognise where health inequalities prevail; determine how they will influence the planning of public health interventions and services; and to apply the evidence appropriately to make the most impact in alleviating these inequalities
  • apply behavioural insights and information about community needs to support healthy choices that individuals might wish to make, and provide individuals, groups and communities with the capabilities to make changes to their behaviours (eg: increasing levels of physical activity), in the context of a wider set of interventions and actions
  • participate effectively in the assessment and management of outbreaks, incidents, and single cases of contamination and communicable disease, locally and across boundaries
  • apply protocol and standard operating procedures related to the management of infectious disease, and in response to civil emergencies and unscheduled events, within the scope of the role
  • help to identify, analyse and manage the local impact of longer-term hazards and risks to health that may play out at a global, national or local level
  • communicate the risks and benefits of immunisation and screening programmes to a range of audiences eg: health professionals, parents, people from a range of cultures
  • use appropriate methods to access and appraise evidence gained through systematic methods and through engagement with the wider research community
  • critique published and unpublished research, synthesise the evidence and draw appropriate conclusions
  • report and advise on the implications of the evidence base for the most effective practice; to define problems and shape solutions; and to help in the delivery of value for money
  • present an evidence based narrative that is suitably adjusted to inform different types of audiences with different levels of health literacy
  • use and adapt appropriate research techniques and principles to evaluate local services and interventions to contribute to the local evidence-base for effectiveness
  • monitor, evaluate and disseminate (report) the impact of health and care projects, services and interventions, including quality impact
  • engage stakeholders (including service users) in service design and development, to deliver accessible and equitable person-centred services
  • implement standards, protocols and procedures, incorporating national ‘best practice’ guidance into local delivery systems
  • appraise and implement government-led policies and strategies locally (eg: ensuring the equitable and effective implementation of winter fuel schemes to prevent deaths from cold; the implementation of the NHS Health Check programme)
  • assess the impact and benefits of health and other policies and strategies on the public’s health and health inequalities (eg: using health impact assessment approaches or tools)
  • develop or implement actions plans, with, and for, specific groups and communities, to deliver outcomes identified in strategies and policies
  • evaluate one’s own interpersonal skills, and adapt to different situations through a developed proficiency in negotiation, influencing, diplomacy, mediation, facilitation
  • use appropriate methods to establish and sustain effective working relationships with local partners in order to bring about positive outcomes in the health and wellbeing of the local population
  • work collaboratively with colleagues across a broad range of partnership organisations to identify local needs, agree priorities, and deliver on action plans for joint health improvement programmes or services across the area
  • interact with other specialists and colleagues to improve health and reduce health inequalities through the development, monitoring and review of public health programmes, including the commissioning and delivery of these programmes
  • ensure, where relevant, that tendering and procurement processes are managed appropriately and within policy and legislative requirements when commissioning, planning or providing a range of services to bring about improvements in the public’s health (including the drawing up and negotiation of service specifications and performance indicators)
  • facilitate positive contractual relationships understanding how disagreements and changes can be managed within legislative and operational frameworks
  • Operate appropriately within the decision making, administrative and reporting processes that support political and democratic systems
  • present a compelling case for action to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities, using appropriate methods to capture and interpret the evidence
  • use appropriate community engagement techniques to support individuals and communities to have more control over decisions that affect them while promoting health equity, equality and justice
  • respond constructively to political and other tensions while encouraging a focus on the interests of the public’s health
  • to engender trust by acting reliably with integrity, consistency and purpose
  • work effectively within a team that is collectively responsible for leading and managing areas of public health business including the management or supervision of staff, resources or finances
  • use appropriate leadership skills to engage others, build relationships, manage conflict, encourage contribution and sustain commitment to deliver shared objectives
  • adapt to change, manage uncertainty, solve problems, and align clear goals with lines of accountability in complex and unpredictable environments
  • communicate complex information and concepts, including health outcomes, inequalities and life expectancy, to a range of different audiences using different methods (e.g.: exploiting the evolving opportunities of digital capability and dependency, and the associated need for some audiences to be assisted with digital communications)
  • work with communities to facilitate their engagement and participation in action to improve access to, and navigation of, local services and interventions, and to improve health literacy where it is a barrier to access
  • apply a range of tools and technologies to improve health literacy where it is creating a barrier to accessing services and information
  • manage public perception of health risks or solutions, and convey key messages using a range of media processes
  • consult, and listen to individuals, groups and communities likely to be affected by planned intervention or change
  • engage stakeholders and work collaboratively with colleagues across a broad range of partnership organisations to identify local needs, agree priorities and develop action plans for joint public health programmes across boundaries
  • support the development, monitoring and review of public health programmes; identifying risks to delivery and the appropriate risk and issue reporting mechanisms; and re-assessing delivery schedules and methods to respond constructively to change
  • develop projects and plans with key stakeholders and partner agencies to address local public health needs and bring about improvements in identified areas. Lead or contribute to delivery of these projects as appropriate within the scope of your role
  • identify the resources needed to develop and deliver new public health activity, or to sustain public health services and interventions, and how these resources might be sourced
  • help to determine shared priorities and action plans for public health programmes working with colleagues both from within the same organisation and across a range of other agencies
  • build capacity and capability across the field of operation to increase impact and effectiveness of public health programmes and interventions, engaging with professional colleagues, and other groups of workers or volunteers who make up the wider public health workforce
  • use appropriate tools and methods to appraise ethical tensions and to make decisions that promote ethical practice
  • think and write reflectively about one’s own practice, lessons learned, and things that can be done differently for better outcomes eg: to keep a reflective log as part of one’s continuing professional development
  • demonstrate professional characteristics throughout the course of one’s work eg: engendering trust; assuring confidentiality where appropriate; understanding one’s own limitations in terms of capability, accountability and expertise; the addressing of risks and issues in a timely and appropriate manner
  • demonstrate awareness of personal impact on others, both fellow professionals, external partners and members of the public

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 9-4)
  • Maths (grade 9-4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental

Other requirements

Candidates need to have required number of UCAS points to be able to do this apprenticeship, so you will need to have A levels, T Levels or equivelant qualifications or relevant experience. 

About this employer

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage

https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Discounts at a range of UK retailers
  • Interest free loans to buy annual season tickets for popular modes of transport

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

  • To progress into the Pubic Health Practitioner role 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND, BRISTOL

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035843.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 24 June 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.