Southampton City Council, Public Health - Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, and making a meaningful difference to local communities? 

This is an exciting opportunity to join us as a Public Health Trainee, and no prior public health experience is required. Over the course of a three-year apprenticeship programme, you will be supported to work on a range of projects, develop practical skills, and experience, and play a key role in improving the health of Southampton residents and reducing inequalities in health outcomes.  

Alongside your work with the City Council, you will study for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Public Health from the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, and be eligible to apply for UKPHR Public Health Practitioner registration. 

For further information about this role and what you will be doing, please see the job description 

You will spend: 

• 1 day a week undertaking university study (fully online)  

• 4 days per week working in the Public Health Team, alongside experienced colleagues who will support your development 

This is a role with hybrid working conditions, a mix of working from home and working in our Civic Centre offices 

About you  

We are looking for someone with potential and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. You do not need a background in public health; we value lived experience, transferable skills, and willingness to learn and develop.  

Essential requirements: 

• Does not hold and/or is not already enrolled in a degree or master's qualification 
• A minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-levels or equivalent), either achieved or predicted 
• At least three GCSEs (grade 4/C or above) (or equivalent), including English and Maths 
• Good literacy skills, with the ability to write clear, accurate, and concise reports 
• Good IT and numeracy skills, including the ability to gather and analyse information from a range of sources and maintain accurate records  
• Good communication and interpersonal skills  
• Can work collaboratively 

 Additional information: 

• The successful candidate will be required to start employment on 1st of September 2026 
• The academic programme will start on the week commencing 7th of September 2026 
• As part of the selection process, you will be required to complete a basic skills assessment by the training provider (UWE Bristol) 

 We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, recognising that these strengthen our organisation and the services we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of health, wellbeing, or barriers to accessing services and support. 

What we can offer you:

Salary: The salary band for this role is £26,402 - £28,207 per annum. The starting salary is £26,402 with annual progression through the salary bands.  

Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:  Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

Useful links and information: 

For more information on the course programme and what knowledge, skills, and competencies you will develop through the course, please view the Public Health Apprenticeship Standard - Public health practitioner - integrated degree / Skills England 

Southampton data & health -https://data.southampton.gov.uk/  

Contact details for informal discussion:

For further information and details regarding the role, please contact Louise Hurst louise.hurst@southampton.gov.uk

Interview Information:

Please note that interviews are scheduled for 13th July 2026.

Recruitment contact details:

Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk  
Tel: 023 8083 4033

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
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