To apply for this job?

[ShuttyTown]

My dream since forever has been to become a midwife. I really don't want to commit to 4 years of studying however and the pressures on midwives/NHS is putting me off.

There is a maternity assistant job come up in a hospital 40 minutes away by car, however the advert is asking that candidates have NVQ3 in care. I don't have this. In fact I have zero clinical experience, I spent my working years pre kids as a medical secretary in hospitals and I have been a SAHM for 5 years. I am thinking of applying anyway and basically in the 'person specification' more or less begging to be giving a chance! Showing that its my dream job, and I am willing to undergo any studying and training they require while working.

So AIBU to think I stand a chance? And if I'm not BU any pointers on what to put in my person specification?

[SpartacusSaiman]

Can you actually, legally, do the job with no qualifications?

[ShuttyTown]

Yes @SpartacusSaiman it's just a health care assistant role which is helping midwives under their supervision. I have seen these jobs advertised as 'full training will be given' before but they have always been too far away for me to apply. It's just this specific one asking for the NVQ in H&SC

[YouCanButImNot]

Is the nvq under essential requirements? If so I'm afraid the application won't get past shortlisting. I used to be a maternity support worker (in health visiting/ breastfeeding support now) and over 150 people applied for those jobs each time. For this reason nhs tend to be brutal when shortlisting. You can apply and try to demonstrate transferable skills but don't be disheartened if you don't get an interview. I'm sure there are ways to get your nvq, I did mine in maternity and paediatrics through work. Good luck!

[ShuttyTown]

Thank you @YouCanButImNot. I'd like to get the NVQ that they are asking for but not sure how I'd get it without having a job first IYKWIM? Seems like a vicious circle!

[GnoraBatty]

It's worth a shot....but if it is an essential requirement you probably won't be considered. I have applied for jobs before when I haven't had the required qualifications but had the equivalent work experience and that has been considered.
You might just have to bite the bullet and study if you really want to do it.

[Heychickadee]

Definitely apply. Sometimes positions are offered with training towards the NVQ. Don't be disheartened though, and keep an eye out for positions in other hospitals/training posts!

[GnoraBatty]

Are you in a position where you could volunteer?
It's a fantastic way to get experience, I did it when I returned to work.
Also if you are prepared to pay out for an nvq lots of colleges do them part time. I know lots of work places do pay for them but as you've said you have to get your foot in the door to do it.

[fussygalore118]

If it's listed as an essential requirement tgen honestly I wouldn't bother. You wouldn't get past the shortlisting ( well not in our dept in the nhs .. ) it will be there for a reason, thry obviously need someone with some skills and experience.

[fussygalore118]

It's absolutely worth looking out for volunteering though, we have placements a lot for exactly that!:)

[ShuttyTown]

@fussygalore118 I rang my local Trust and they said they never take on volunteers within a clinical setting with patient contact, the most they'd let me do is admin and I've been a secretary for donkeys years so don't need that side of it. I really don't know how else to get into it. I might ring my college tomorrow and see if doing an NVQ through them offers a placement on a maternity ward perhaps...?

[Toysaurus]

Apply for it. I've gone for loads of jobs where I hadn't had the essential criteria. I've either got interviews or the job.

[AppleJacques]

It looks like they do apprenticeships in the NHS

www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/62819e0e9f716f39bce7c0102bb711fc/?vac_ref=914698890

Might be worth asking if they do the same in your local hospital?

[ShuttyTown]

That would be perfect @AppleJacques. Wish it was in my Trust. I'll ring tomorrow to find out if my local hospital offers this although nothing has been advertised. Thank you

[AppleJacques]

Another way to get the nvq in care if you can't get the apprenticeship would be to get a job in care home or nursing home, often you'll be supported in getting your nvq while working then you can move on when another maternity position comes up. Fingers crossed for you :)