Now that the Scientist Training Programme has opened for applications, Laura Aldridge (careers adviser) answers some key questions which students may have about making an application to the STP.

What is the Scientist Training Programme (STP)?
The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is one of the routes for science graduates into healthcare scientist roles in England within the NHS.  Those who are successful in gaining a place on the STP would be employed within the NHS on a three year paid training programme which includes work-based and academic learning.  The STP also provides successful applicants with an opportunity to complete a funded, part time Masters degree at a university relevant to their chosen specialism.

Which scientific specialisms does the Scientist Training Programme enable applicants to train in?
The STP offers science graduates the chance to train in a broad range of scientific specialisms.  You can find a full list of these specialisms here:  http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme/about-the-scientist-training-programme

Some examples of specialisms which LJMU students have applied to in the past include:  cardiac science, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, clinical pharmaceutical science and haematology and transfusion science.  When you apply to the STP, you can choose a maximum of two specialisms, although you can choose multiple locations or employers as are available, in your preferred subject.

What degree classification or degree subject do I need to apply to the Scientist Training Programme?
To apply for The Scientist Training Programme you must have or be predicted either a first or 2:1 honours degree, relevant to the specialism which you are applying.  Therefore, you can apply if you are in your final year, and if you have not yet graduated, although you must state your predicted degree result on your application form.  Evidence of research experience either in the form of a higher degree (such as a Masters) is desirable but not essential.   (If you have completed your degree and have obtained a 2:2, you would only be eligible to apply to the STP if you have also studied or are studying a higher degree i.e. a Masters or higher-level qualification).

Before you apply to your chosen specialism for the STP, you should check the job description and person specification, to ensure that you match the skills and knowledge relevant for the specialism which you wish to apply to.  There is also a list of relevant degree subjects which the NHS accepts for the STP programme here:  http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme/frequently-asked-questions

Is there a high level of competition for places on the STP?
Yes, there are extremely high levels of competition for the places on the STP although some specialisms receive more applications than others – you can find details here:  http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/images/stp-recruitment/stp-competition-ratios-v2.0.pdf of how many applicants there were per specialism last year.  Therefore, if you are applying to the STP you should most definitely apply to other options as well, such as other job opportunities or Masters Courses for example.

What is the application process for the Scientist Training Programme?
You would firstly need to register on the online application portal, Oriel.  You would then need to complete your application form which will require personal, academic, work experience and employment details, by the closing date of Monday 12 February at 17:00.  As part of this application form, you will also be required to complete a set of online questions which will test your suitability, understanding and motivation for applying to the STP.  Following the submission of your application form, you will then receive details of how to complete the online aptitude tests.  You will need to complete these online tests before the closing date of 14^th February at 17.00.  There is a minimum pass mark for each test, if you do not meet this pass mark then your application will not proceed any further.  If you pass the online tests, you will be put forward for short listing.  Your application form will then be reviewed by the recruiters, and if you are successful you will then be invited to an interview and selection centre.

What happens at the interview and selection centre for the STP?
The NHS uses a ‘multiple mini interview’ format for the STP.   This means that if you are invited to interview, your interviews will take place on a circuit of four ‘stations’.  Each station will last 10 minutes and you will face four questions at each interview.  The interviewers are likely to ask you questions which require you to show evidence and understanding of NHS values, and which test your awareness of the specialism(s) which you are applying to.  Questions about ethical issues which affect the NHS are also common.  This short NHS film gives you an overview of what happens at the STP interview and selection centre:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0GCXrr-zCk&feature=youtu.be

What can I do to improve my chances of success for the STP?
Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application form.  You can also have this checked by the employability advisers at Byrom Careers Zone.

It is advisable as well to access some practice aptitude tests before completing the STP online tests.  The NHS website recommends that candidates first access the practice tests, which are available here:  https://www.trytalentq.com/.  There are also further practice tests available on the ‘Careers Zone 24-7‘ section of the Careers Team website here:  https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123873.htm

It is also helpful to attend the open days which some of the hospitals offer which provide more details about the STP programme.  You can find out more about these open days here: http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme/open-days

You should make sure too, that you find out as much as possible about the role of a healthcare scientist within the NHS.  The NHS Health Careers website provides more information about what the different healthcare science specialisms involve here: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/graduate-training-opportunities/nhs-scientist-training-programme

 Do I need experience?
Although some laboratory-based experience may be helpful, it is not essential as the STP is aimed at recent graduates. If you are selected for interview, some prior knowledge of healthcare services may also be an advantage and may inform your answers to certain types of questions.  It is most important to demonstrate that you meet the person specification for the specialism which you are applying to.  On their website the NHS state that; ‘successful applicants may have a variety of relevant qualifications, experience and potential, and in the past the cohort of successful applicants has included both new graduates and those with more experience’.

Have LJMU graduates been successful in gaining a place on the STP in the past?
Yes, despite the high levels of competition LJMU graduates have received offers of places on the STP in the past.  Last year, one forensic science graduate received a job offer for the clinical pharmaceutical science specialism.  Furthermore, one sports science graduate (who had also studied the MSc in clinical exercise physiology) received a job offer on the cardiac science specialism, and has subsequently started working in a hospital in the NHS.

What are my other options if I do not gain a place on the STP?
There are other ways into healthcare science if you are not successful in gaining a place on the STP.  For example, biomedical science graduates may also look for jobs as a trainee biomedical scientist, which are advertised on www.jobs.nhs.uk.  Such roles can lead to HCPC registration.  For more information about how to become a registered biomedical scientist, please refer to the Institute of Biomedical Science website: https://www.ibms.org/registration/hcpc-registration/

Some science graduates may also look for jobs as a medical laboratory assistant or biomedical support worker, as a way into a laboratory setting, and then apply for other more senior roles once they have gained some experience.  Please see our mini guide about ‘laboratory work experience’ for more information: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm 

For sports science graduates, there are other routes into cardiac science careers within the NHS such as the healthcare science practitioner route – please see this section of the Health Careers website for more information:  https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/physiological-sciences/cardiac-sciences

Sports science graduates (and graduates of the MSc exercise physiology) can consider other careers within exercise physiology and there are opportunities with private healthcare providers as well such as Nuffield Health.

All the above information was correct as of 15/01/18.  Students are also advised to carefully read through all information on the NHS Health Careers website here: http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme  before making an application to the Scientist Training Programme.  Some of the above information was taken from this website. 

If following this, you have further queries, then you can make an appointment to see Laura Aldridge by calling into Byrom Street Careers Zone or by telephoning 0151 231 2048.   If you would like to have your application form for the STP checked through by an Employability Adviser, before submitting it, then again you can call into Byrom Street Careers Zone to make an appointment to do this.  If you are invited to the interview and selection centre for the STP, you can book a practice interview with Laura or another member of the Careers Team.