Apprenticeships

Learn and study for a qualification whilst working in a role that contributes to our mission of supporting people affected by cancer.

Our apprenticeships are for anyone wanting to start their career in a new profession, or to progress their career in their current profession, whilst getting an insight into what it’s like working for one of the UK’s leading charities.Create a job alert

Apprenticeship: what you can expect

What apprenticeships do you offer?

Whether you have your heart set on a career in Marketing, or in Software Engineering, our apprenticeships are available across a wide range of job roles within the charity. They are available in a variety of locations including London and Oxford with flexible working. We also have fully remote roles.

We offer apprenticeships at all levels - from level 3 (equivalent to 2 A levels) up to level 7 (equivalent to a full degree). Our current amazing apprentices are in roles including IT Service Desk Analyst, Marketing Executive Apprenticeship, Business Associate Apprenticeship, Finance Trainee and many more.

Our apprenticeships provide you with the opportunity to:

Contribute to supporting people affected by cancer
Earn a salary
Work alongside experienced colleagues
Gain job-specific skills
Get time for training and study related to your role

Who can apply?

Cancer Research UK apprenticeships are for anyone wanting to start their career in a new profession whilst getting an insight into what it’s like working for one of the UK’s leading charities.

You could be at the start of your career, wanting to study and learn at the same time, or you could be at a later stage of your career but pivoting your career and looking to reskill in a new profession.

Ultimately, you will live and work in England and not have a qualification in the same or similar subject at the same or higher level than the apprenticeship will provide. Each apprenticeship vacancy has its own eligibility criteria so please take a read and get in touch if you have any questions.

When can I apply?

Apprenticeship roles are advertised throughout the year at Cancer Research UK. You can keep checking our career pages, or register for job alerts and we'll let you know when a new apprenticeship vacancy is available.

What happens at the end of my apprenticeship?

There is a real opportunity to join Cancer Research UK and make an impact whilst you are here. At the end of your apprenticeship, you may already be in a permanent role or you may be encouraged to apply for permanent positions, if suitable ones are available, to enable you to stay on at the charity.

Hear from our apprentices

It's safe to say I've found my calling. I really, really love my role. I'm doing really well in it and getting good outcomes. What's fantastic about Cancer Research UK is that we're given the time and freedom to concentrate on ourselves and our development. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. As an organisation we care about our people, it's very obvious.

- Hollie White, Legacy apprentice

Joining the data apprenticeship at Cancer Research UK allowed me to make a dream career switch I’d thought was out of reach. For years, I’ve been looking into an analyst role. But without experience, skills or the time and money to get training, I couldn’t see it happening. When an analyst role came up at the same time as the apprenticeships, it suddenly became possible. Now, I have dedicated time for learning that I get to apply directly in my new analyst role tracking the impact of our research.

- Rupesh Robinson-Vyas, Data apprentice

The first thing that I would say is 'definitely do it!'. It's been great for me and for the other apprentices in our cohort. It's given us a really great foundation to spring from in our marketing careers.

- Theo Moore, Marketing apprentice

Your personal development

We’re passionate about your personal development.

When you join Cancer Research UK as an apprentice you are welcomed into a network of other apprentices to connect with like-minded people across the organisation and build a supportive network.

Whichever apprenticeship role you take on, you’ll have:

a dedicated line manager to support you in your role

A 121 coach from one of our training providers who guides you through your qualification

As part of our apprentice community, you’ll have the chance to take part in various networking opportunities, fundraising and volunteering activities as well as attend socials and talks.

Join an inclusive team

Beating cancer means beating it for everyone. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do.

This will help us make faster progress: it is well known that more diverse organisations perform better, and we will enable our community of cancer researchers to thrive.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any questions or concerns you have about how we can support you with a disability or health condition or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Together we will beat cancer.

Any questions?

Email us on

earlycareers@cancer.org.uk