Healthcare Assistant Earn and Learn Programme 2026

Expression of Interest (EOI) HCA Earn and Learn Programme

30 FTE | November 2026 Intake

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

We are Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland. We provide health and disability services to more than half a million people living in central Auckland, regional services for Northland and greater Auckland, and specialist national services for the whole of New Zealand.

Our main sites are Auckland City Hospital, Greenlane Clinical Centre and Starship Childrens Hospital, located in central Auckland.

We are part of Health New Zealand, the overarching organisation for New Zealands national health service. Health New Zealand leads the day-to-day running of the health system, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels.

We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing culturally safe care. We value role modelling manaakitanga as demonstrated by Ngāti Whātua in the gifting of their whenua on which our hospitals stand. We aspire to having a workforce reflective of the communities we serve and achieving equitable outcomes for all.

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are an integral part of our healthcare delivery teams, providing support to patients and whānau under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

As a Healthcare Assistant, your day could include assisting with patient care, supporting patient transfers, and helping to ensure our wards, departments and operating theatres are ready to provide the best possible care. It is a busy and varied role where no two days are the same, and one that makes a meaningful difference to our patients, whānau and wider healthcare teams.

We have developed an exciting HCA Earn and Learn Programme that provides you with the opportunity to earn an income as a Healthcare Assistant from the start of your education and training, while working towards your Level 3 NZQA qualification New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.

This is a fantastic opportunity to start or build your career in healthcare, with ongoing support and opportunities to develop your skills and experience.

What we offer:

• Permanent employment paid from day one
• 0.8 or 1.0 FTE opportunities available (3240 hours per week)
• A combination of classroom learning and real-world frontline healthcare experience
• Support to complete your Level 3 NZQA qualification
• The opportunity to develop practical skills and experience within a healthcare environment
• A pathway towards a long-term career in health
• The opportunity to become an important part of an all-round healthcare delivery team

For further details, please refer to the Position description.

Mō koe | About You

We are looking for people who have a genuine interest in working in the healthcare sector and a strong desire to help and care for others.

You will bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, good time management and excellent people skills. You will be comfortable working as part of a team and committed to creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for patients, whānau and colleagues.

A strong commitment to our organisational values, health equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi will be essential.

You may be:

• Part-way through an existing HCA qualification and looking for an opportunity to continue your development
• Looking to return to the workforce after a break
• Currently working in another role or industry and considering a career change
• Starting out in your healthcare career and looking for an opportunity to learn while you earn

Above all, we are looking for people who are motivated to make a difference and pursue a rewarding career helping others.

We are committed to building a diverse cohort for this exciting programme, including increasing the number of Māori and Pacific participants to better reflect the communities we serve and support our health equity goals.

We also welcome applications from current Te Toka Tumai staff who are interested in following this pathway into frontline healthcare positions.

Paearu whakauru | Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the HCA Earn and Learn Programme, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have completed a minimum of three years of secondary school or equivalent

He aha ngā painga o tēnei mahi mōu | Why You Will Enjoy Working Here

We recognise there is more to life than mahi | work. We encourage and provide access to a range of services and benefits to support our people while they are employed at Te Toka Tumai Auckland.

This is more than just a job it is an opportunity to earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build a rewarding career in healthcare.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close: 21st October 2026

We expect interviews to take place between 27th October to 3rd November 2026.

Please submit your application online, outlining your experience and motivation for applying for this opportunity.

We will be in touch the following week to let you know whether you have been shortlisted for the next stage and, if so, to arrange an interview.

Questions?

For questions specifically about the HCA Earn and Learn Programme, please contact:

Rachel Abery
HCAearnandlearn@adhb.govt.nz

For questions about accessibility or technical issues with the online application process, please contact:

Abi Salisbury Recruitment Administrator
Abi.Salisbury@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We are happy to discuss how we can best support you with your application.