Now that the NHS Scientist Training Programme has opened for applications, Careers Adviser Laura Aldridge answers some key questions 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 are employed within the NHS on a three-year paid training programme which includes work-based and academic learning. STP trainees also 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 within your preferred subject.

What degree classification or degree subject do I need to apply to the Scientist Training Programme?
To apply for the STP, you must hold or be predicted either a first or 2:1 honours degree, relevant to the specialism you are applying for. 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 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 you wish to apply to. There is also a list of relevant degree subjects for the STP programme on http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme/entry-requirements?utm_source=FAQ&utm_campaign=FAQs&utm_medium=FAQs

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 of how many applicants there were per specialism last year on https://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/images/stp-recruitment/stp-competition-ratios-v1-2018.pdf

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.

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 requires personal, academic, work experience and employment details) by the closing date of Friday 8^th February at 17:00. As part of this application form, you are be required to complete a set of online questions which 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 Monday 11^th February at 17.00. There is a minimum pass mark for each test; if you do not meet this pass mark, 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 at this stage, you will 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. 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

Please also download our mini guide about multiple mini interviews from the Careers Team website: https://teams.ljmu.ac.uk/5/CTWD/Guides/Multiple_Mini_Interviews_Mini_Guide.pdf

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 on https://www.trytalentq.com/. There are also further practice tests available on the ‘Careers Zone 24-7‘ section of the Careers Team website:  https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/careers-zone-digital-careers-tools

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: 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 biomedical science graduate received a job offer for the haematology and transfusion science specialism. Furthermore, three sports science graduates (who had also studied the MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology) received job offers for the cardiac science specialism, and have subsequently started working in hospitals in the NHS. Pick up a copy of the career planning guides for the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences or School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences from Byrom Careers Zone to read their case studies. Alternatively, you can access the guides on our website: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/online-guides-and-resources

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://teams.ljmu.ac.uk/5/CTWD/Guides/Laboratory_Work_Experience_Mini_Guide.pdf

For sports science graduates, there are other routes into cardiac science careers within the NHS such as the healthcare science practitioner route – please read the article on pages 16 and 17 of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences career planning guide for further information: https://teams.ljmu.ac.uk/5/CTWD/Guides/SPS_CPG.pdf

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.

Important: all the above information was correct as of 09/01/19. Students are also advised to carefully read through all information on the NHS Health Careers website http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme before making an application to the STP. Some of the above information was taken from this website.

If you have further queries, 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.