Public Health Practitioner Apprentice (Level 6)
The Public Health team is a dynamic and collaborative team covering a wide range of functions. These include healthy adults; healthy children and families; healthy communities; healthy environments; health protection; and public health assurance.
Public Health’s purpose is to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets residents. We do this through the evidence-based decision and commissioning of public health projects, programmes and services. Throughout our work, we have a core focus on addressing the wider determinants of health and tackling health inequalities.
The Apprentice will report to a Public Health Officer but will work across the Public Health team and wider teams in the Council and/or health partners as appropriate.
Check out our Public Health website to learn more about the team - Welcome from Director of Public Health — Public Health
Please note the successful candidate must be able to start employment in early January 2026 due to course start dates.
If you’re interested in playing a part in improving the health and wellbeing of local communities whilst gaining qualifications to support the development of your public health career, then this is the role for you.
Tower Hamlets are offering an exciting new apprenticeship combining study alongside day-to-day working within the Public Health team as a Public Health Practitioner Apprentice (Level 6). The apprenticeship will lead to a degree qualification (Public Health BSc) as well as providing an opportunity for the candidate to pursue a career in Public Health. Upon completion, they will also be eligible to apply for UKPHR Public Health Practitioner registration.
During the apprenticeship, the candidate will work in Tower Hamlet’s Public Health team. In their time here they will gain experience of a range of Public Health functions, such as prevention of ill health, health surveillance and health protection whilst working with numerous teams. The candidate will support the planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, communication and engagement approaches to public health services, projects and programmes. Good communication, understanding data and the ability to engage with communities will be important skills to help achieve this. Across the three years in the Public Health team, the candidate will be supported to meet the learning objectives required for the Apprenticeship.
In addition, alongside working in Tower Hamlet’s Public Health team, the successful candidate is responsible for undertaking and completing a BSc Public Health from a pre-selected university. At least one working day each week will be spent studying / attending university courses.
The successful candidate does not have to have existing experience of working in public health, or in local authorities. However, they should be able to demonstrate how their existing knowledge and experience can be applied to the role of PHP Apprentice.
We encourage applications from residents of Tower Hamlets only.
- Candidates with an existing undergraduate or Master’s degree qualification (Level 6) in Public Health or similar subject are not eligible for this opportunity due to UK Government Funding Apprenticeship rules.
Candidates currently working towards a professional registration will not be eligible for application (e.g. UKPHR, UKVRN).
Any offer of employment is conditional upon the candidate meeting the UK government entry requirements of apprenticeships and of the eligibility criteria of the training provider (the chosen University).
The Apprentice must have a right to work in the UK and, if applicable, have an appropriate visa that covers the entire period of the contract.
- This position is a fixed term contract. The contract will start in January 2026. Depending on the training provider, the course will either be 36 months or 36 months + 3 months for completion of the End Point Assessment. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the contract period.
- Due to funding requirements, candidates who are not currently Tower Hamlets employees will be prioritised.
If you are interested in this role, then please follow our recruitment process below.
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement must clearly evidence:
- How you meet the essential criteria in the person specification and job description (these are marked A (tick)) as well as the Tower Hamlets Core Values and Behaviours
- Your previous professional and academic experience, demonstrating that they meet the minimum educational requirements for the degree course.
- The knowledge and skills you can bring to the role of Public Health Practitioner Apprentice.
- That you are available for an early January 2026 start date and will, if successful, be able to commit to the full duration of the apprenticeship and BSc Public Health qualification (36 months or 36 months + 3 months, depending on the training provider).
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification documents.
Successful candidates will be asked to apply for a Standard Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
