Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

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  1. Public health academic

    Public health academics influence and guide policy-makers in tackling public health challenges, professional practice and research.

    Qualification requirements will vary depending on the level of the role. To obtain a first lecturing position, you would require a postgraduate qualification, or equivalent, in public health or a related subject, together with some experience of working in the field of public health, preferably with evidence of having published your work previously
    Working hours can be long, but are often flexible, so that staff may choose the timing of their teaching sessions and manage their own research and administration. You may also need to be available for some evening and weekend work (for example, for tutorials and seminars, conferences and events).
    You'll have an interest in public health and enjoy research and teaching.
    Although there are exceptions, the standard progression route is generally from researcher to lecturer, senior lecturer (or reader), to professor. Some universities in the UK have also adopted the title 'associate professor' for lecturer, and 'full professor' for professor.
  2. Bricklayer

    Bricklayers build and repair walls and other parts of buildings.

    There are no set entry requirements to become bricklayer. To train as a bricklayer, you usually need GCSEs in English and maths. Employers may ask for some experience in construction or other practical work. There are often apprenticeships in estates support work which could provide such useful experience. When you start as a trainee bricklayer, your training will include health and safety, how to use the tools and equipment, all aspects of bricklaying and you will be encouraged to study for vocational qualifications. Where employers are advertising for qualified bricklayers, they will usually expect applicants to have a recognised vocational qualification in construction. They may ask for a driving licence.
    Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As an estates support worker, you could start on AfC band 2. As a qualified craftsperson in estates maintenance, you will typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 4 and above. Bricklayers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve early starts and weekend working. Terms and conditions will usually be different for bricklayers working outside of the NHS.
    As a bricklayer, you need to be interested in construction, physically fit for lifting, standing and carrying, neat and methodical, health and safety aware, willing to work outside in all weathers, able to read plans and able to work alone or in a team, You'll also need practical skills, good manual (hand) skills and good organisational skills.
    With experience, a bricklayer can become a team leader, supervising the work of others. With further experience you could progress to manager, responsible for a hospital, area or trust. There are opportunities outside the NHS.
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