Frequently Asked Quetions

How can I access career advice?

If you are currently in school, higher or further education you will be able to make an appointment to speak to a career practitioner. They can talk to you about the different career paths you might want to explore.

If you are not in school or education, you can get careers information from one of our partners below:

Leeds City Council, Employment & Skills offers Career Information, Advice and Guidance to support people in Jobs, Apprenticeships, training or learning opportunities.

Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub can offer advice and guidance about your future role. Express your interest here and one of our advisors will be in touch.

You can also access National Careers Service online who can help you make career choices throughout your life. This includes help with deciding on your education route, planning a career change at any age or help with getting a job that is right for you. There are three different options available on the website for you to choose from:

Making career choices
Getting a job
Progressing your career

There are also helpful links to other skills or training you might need to complete to be able to apply for your next step.

Who can help me improve my maths and English skills?

Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub can connect you with education providers to help improve your maths and English, no matter what age you are. This can be done through Community Learning with Leeds City Council or help you obtain a Functional Skills or GCSEs in maths and English with Leeds City College. Complete the form here to register your interest.

What are the different types of qualifications?

A qualification is an official certificate granted upon successfully completing a training course or passing an exam. In England we have 9 different levels of qualifications as explained below:

Entry Level Qualifications

Entry level is the most basic type of qualification, typically serving as an introduction to education. These qualifications are usually not mandatory. There are 3 different levels of entry level qualifications, entry level 1,2 and 3. Obtaining an entry Level 3 in English and maths is a requirement for a Careers in care programme with the Talent Hub find out more here.

Examples would be entry level functional skills, Skills for life and ESOL (English for foreign language speakers.)

Level 1 Qualifications

These qualifications are usually taken in secondary school in Year 10 & 11 by pupils ages 15-16. However, you can gain the qualifications at any time in your life if required for a potential role.

An entry requirement for a Level 2 apprenticeship would be a Level 1 in English and maths however some apprenticeships providers will ask you to sit an assessment to see what level you are at rather than seeing a qualification.

Examples would be GCSE’s grades 3,2 or 1 (previously D,E,F or G), Level 1 Functional skills or Level 1 awards and diplomas.

GCSE’s or General Certificate of Secondary Education are exams traditionally taken in school in Year 11. GCSEs are Level 1 and Level 2 qualification depending on your grade.

Level 2 Qualifications

Level 2 follows Level 1 and is often completed during Years 10 and 11 at school.

Examples would be GCSE’s grades 9,8,7,6,5, or 4 (previously A*, A, B or C), O Levels grades A, B or C or Level 2 Functional skills. Intermediate Apprenticeship is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C.

An apprenticeship is a learning programme that combines work and study. As an apprentice you benefit from on-the-job training.

Level 3 Qualifications

Level 3 typically demonstrates more advanced knowledge in a subject and is usually attained in Years 12 and 13 or at further education institutions like colleges.

Examples would be A levels (Grades A-E), T-Levels, As Levels and Level 3 NVQ.

A Levels (Advanced Levels) are an option after completing your GCSE’s. You will usually study 3-4 subjects over 2 years. A Levels are often an entry requirement for university.

T Levels were launched in 2020 and is another option after completing your GCSE’s. It is a 2-year course where students spend most of their time at college and 315 hours on an industry placement. 1 T Level is intended to be the equivalent of 3 A levels.

AS Levels are studied in Year 12, they are used as an indicator to your future grades but no longer count to your final A level mark.

NVQ is classed as a Vocational Qualification and is a work-based way of learning which involves a range of on-the-job tasks and activities to cover the main aspects of a particular occupation.

Level 4 qualifications

Level 4 acts as a bridge between Level 3 and Level 5 and demonstrates a deeper understanding and a more advanced level of learning than what is typically acquired through core modules in secondary education

Examples of Level 4 qualifications include: Higher National Certificate, Level 4 Apprenticeship or a Level 4 NVQ

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a qualification that takes one year to complete full-time, or two years part-time. They're practical-based courses that can prepare you for either work after completion or studies at degree level.

Level 5 Qualifications

Level 5 reflects a level of knowledge that goes above what is taught in secondary education. This level is perfect for anyone looking to move onto university or other forms of higher education.

Examples are a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or a Diploma of Higher Education.

A Foundation Degree is a two-year higher education qualification in the UK, combining academic study with practical training. It can lead to employment or be topped up to a full bachelor's degree with further study.

Higher National Diploma (HND) is a step higher than an HNC. Again, this is a course that is vocational in its focus, where students are learning the skills needed for a particular workplace.

A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is a two-year qualification equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree, offering a foundation in a specific subject and serving as either a standalone credential or a pathway to a full degree.

Level 6 Qualifications

Level 6 refers to qualifications gained at degree level, indicating the holder has graduated from a centre for further education like a university. It is the first step to pursuing a master's degree.

Examples include bachelor's degree (with or without honours), Graduate diploma or a Graduate Apprenticeship

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic qualification typically earned after three to four years of study at a university or college

A Graduate Diploma is a postgraduate qualification offering specialised study, typically completed in one year after a bachelor's degree.

Graduate Apprenticeships are an honours degree which uses work-based learning. They provide a new way for people to study for a degree who are currently in employment, or who want to work in a relevant role gaining the right experience while studying.

Level 7 qualifications

Level 7 refers to a level of education equivalent to a master’s degree and can be completed after a bachelor's degree. This is perfect for anyone looking for a qualification that validates their knowledge beyond a degree level.

Examples include master's degree

A master's degree covers a precise area of study and can take anything between one and four years of study. A large amount of independent study is required.

Level 8 qualifications

Refers to a doctorate level of education, often known as a PhD. This is the highest formal level of education possible in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and to become a fully qualified Doctor.

Examples of Level 8 qualifications include: Doctorate or PhD or Level 8 awards, diplomas and certificates

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject.

Here’s some link to find out more:

How can I get involved in volunteering?

People volunteer for various reasons; this could be to gain experience, support a cause that is meaningful to them, or to contribute to their local community.

There are lots of opportunities in Leeds which can be found here where you can browse opportunities. Forum Central has also created this useful link to a padlet that contains lots of information.

If you are unsure which opportunity would be right for you, you can speak to one of our advisors in the Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub by completing this form.

How can I get involved in work experience?

Work experience provides an opportunity for you to gain valuable knowledge, insight and practical experience in a particular role or organisation in the health and care sector. If you are in school or education there may be support that you can access whilst in education.

If you are not in education, you can still organise your own work experience no matter how old you are, it’s a great way to see what the role entails.

To find out what opportunities are available in the sector you can click here

If you are unsure of where to start, you can speak to one of our advisors in the Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub by completing this form.

How do apprenticeships work?

An apprenticeship is a paid work opportunity for people to gain valuable experience in a new exciting role. Anyone can be an apprentice, at any age as long as you are over 16. As an apprentice, you’ll spend time training on-the-job and at least 20% of your working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider, to earn a nationally recognised qualification.

An apprenticeship includes:

paid employment, entitled to the National Minimum Wage
hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
at least 20% off-the-job training
formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

You can find further information about apprenticeships on the websites below:

What is a T-Level?

T levels were established in 2020 and means that after their GCSEs, students now have the option to study either T levels, A levels, a Level 3 apprenticeship or another equivalent qualification.

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers, and will offer around 1,800 hours of study over two years. This will include a 45-day work placement, so T Levels will be more suited to students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.

T Levels include compulsory elements:

a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area
specialist occupational skills and knowledge of the career
an industry placement with an employer
a minimum standard in maths and English, if students haven’t already achieved this

Students who complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction* and will be awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing a breakdown of what they’ve achieved. It will also confirm that a student has met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications. One T-level is intended to be roughly equivalent to three A-levels.

Find out more about T Levels:

What are the opportunities in health and care sector in Leeds?

You can browse the breadth of roles here but to find out what current opportunities there are in Leeds you will need to look at various websites.

Our partners within the Health and Care sector will advertise their roles here:

Our colleagues at Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub specialise in filling hard-to-fill roles across the sector. You will need to complete an expression of interest form to engage with their service. This service is free of charge and is open to anyone across Leeds.

Who are the employers in the health and care sector in Leeds?

In Leeds there are around 60,000 people that work in the Health and Care Sector. 48% work in the NHS, 36% in the social care sector, 5% in Primary Care (GP Practices) and 11% in the third sector.

Here's a video about the Health and Care system in Leeds

There are many employers within this exciting sector as shown below:

There are 3 NHS Trusts based in Leeds:

Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust – 7 hospitals providing inpatient and outpatient services
Leeds Community Healthcare – Who provide community care across Leeds
Leeds & York Partnership Foundation Trust – support patients with mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity.

Primary Care in Leeds are our first point of contact when needing to contact a health care service such as your local GP surgeries, opticians, pharmacies, and dentists.

Leeds City Council provides support in Adult Social Care, Children’s services and Public Health.

There are also several Home Care providers, Care Homes and private hospitals in Leeds that you could also work for, these are known as Private or Independent Care Providers.

Hospices are amazing places that care for adults, young adults and children with all sorts of conditions that are long term and cannot be cured. Here are some Hospices in Leeds, St Gemma’s Hospice, Sue Ryder Wheatfield’s Hospice and Martins House Children’s Hospice.

There are estimated to be over 3,500 Charities in Leeds that you could work, volunteer or support specialising in health or care for a specific group or community.

You could work for the Department of Health and Social Care who support ministers in leading the nation’s health and social care to help people live more independent, healthier lives for longer. The West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board join up health and care services, improve people's health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.

Do I need a qualification or to be registered with a professional body to work in health and care?

Not all roles within the Health and Care Sector need a registration, there are lots of entry level roles available. Professional registration proves to your employer and colleagues that you are committed to developing and maintaining the knowledge, skills and competency needed to meet today's knowledge and information needs

When you are exploring suitable roles, you will see if a registration is required in the 'how to become' section.

Examples of roles and required registration:

Where can I learn more in Leeds?

Across Leeds we have a range of education providers, from community centres who provide free short courses, to universities who offer specific degrees. You could study to be a Midwife or learn a new skill with a First Aid course. Not all courses are full time, some are part time and can even be done online!

Can the Leeds Health and Care Academy support me?

Of course, The Leeds Health and Care Academy focus on training and helping people who work in the health and care sector in Leeds, supporting new and existing staff, and teaming up with our partners, like the NHS, Third Sector, Council and Independent sector, to improve on how we work as a group.

Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub is a Citywide service that connects the people of Leeds with careers, volunteering, work experience or education and training opportunities in the health and care sector. It is open to anyone based in Leeds whether you are new to the sector or looking for a new role. To enlist their support please complete this form

The Leeds Health and Care Learning Portal offers free development resources, training and learning content for anybody working or volunteering in health and care in Leeds- regardless of employer, role or level of experience.

The content covers a diverse range of virtual workshops, eLearning and Academy programmes in areas such as ‘Diversity and Inclusion,’ ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Delivering Care.’

Access the link to create an account and explore the learning opportunities open to you.

What is accommodation and transport like in Leeds?

Leeds offers a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable student housing to upscale city-centre apartments and suburban family homes. The transport system is robust, with extensive bus and train networks, cycling facilities, and good road connections. Whether you're a student, professional, or visitor, Leeds provides convenient and varied living and commuting options.

Types of Accommodation:

Student Accommodation: Leeds is home to several universities. As a result, there is a wide range of student accommodation, including halls of residence, shared houses, and private student apartments. Popular areas for students include Hyde Park, Headingley, and Woodhouse.
Private Rentals/homes: For professionals and families, there are numerous options ranging from modern city-centre apartments to suburban houses. Areas like Chapel Allerton, Roundhay, and Horsforth are popular for families, offering more space and good local amenities.
Serviced Apartments and Hotels: For short-term stays, Leeds offers a variety of serviced apartments and hotels. The city centre has several upscale hotels, as well as budget options catering to tourists and business travellers.

You can search for any available properties here:

Properties For Sale in Leeds | Rightmove

Property for sale in Leeds, West Yorkshire - Zoopla

Transport in Leeds

Public Transport:

Buses: Leeds has an extensive bus network operated by WY Metro, Arriva and First Buses. Buses connect the city centre with suburban areas and neighbouring towns. Day tickets and weekly passes are available, making it an affordable option for daily commuting.

Metro | Metro (wymetro.com)

Ticket prices | First Bus Arriva Bus Ticket Information

Arriva Bus

Trains: Leeds railway station is one of the busiest in the UK, offering frequent services to other major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. It's also well-connected to local areas via.

Trains | Metro (wymetro.com)

Leeds City - Facilities, Shops and Parking Information (networkrail.co.uk)

Trainline : Search, Compare & Buy Cheap Train Tickets (thetrainline.com)

Park and Ride: For those driving into the city, Leeds offers several Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts, providing convenient and cost-effective access to the city centre.

Park & Ride Leeds | Metro (wymetro.com)

Cycling: Leeds is becoming increasingly cycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle lanes and schemes like the Leeds City Bikes initiative. Cycling is a popular option for students and those living close to the city centre.

More ways to travel | Metro (wymetro.com)

Cycle routes (leeds.gov.uk)

Here is a list of locations where you will be able to access free WI-FI.

What does all the jargon mean?

Jargon is specific words or phrases that are used by a particular group, profession or sector that may be difficult for others to understand. Jargon is present in many sectors, including health and social care. If you have come across words or phrases that you are not familiar with, take a look at the jargon buster websites below for more help:

If I have a question or feedback about Career Compass Leeds who should I contact?

If you have any questions or feedback, please email

leedsth-tr.careercompassleeds@nhs.net

How do I use the Career Compass Leeds if I'm supporting someone else?

We've developed a handy video guide for anyone that's supporting another person to use the Career Compass Leeds whether you are a parent/carer, careers advisor, employment advisor or educator.

Please email leedsth-tr.careercompassleeds@nhs.net with any queries/question.