All vacancies in this handbook are regionally funded. Most Grade A trainees are employed as 'Regionally Funded Trainees'. This means that they are employees of the NHS Trusts and may be seconded to suitable training bases at local hospitals. The secondments will vary in number and duration depending on the scientific discipline, but the aim of the secondment is to provide quality training, a wide variety of experience as well as insight into specialised services. The programme of training and secondment(s) will be individually arranged for each trainee, but following national guidelines where applicable.

In addition to the Regionally Funded schemes, each hospital with a relevant scientific service may employ trainees using its own funds (Locally Funded Trainees). Training places of this nature are included in this Handbook but applicants are advised to check with the department in question whether it is accredited for training and that opportunity will be given to acquire the relevant exit qualification, as failure to do so may prejudice later career prospects.