Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We are pleased to offer a new and exciting full-time training opportunity commencing in June 2026 for an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Apprentice, and we are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our Theatre team.

This role involves a three-year apprenticeship programme (39 months) delivered in partnership with Birmingham City University (South West). Clinical placements will be based at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern Services), including community hospitals, with academic teaching and tutorials delivered locally in Devon by Birmingham City University.

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the scope of the ODP role within the multidisciplinary team and the wider organisation, and how the role contributes to service development. You will be expected to treat patients, colleagues, and learners with dignity and respect, valuing diversity, individual beliefs, culture, needs, privacy, and preferences. You will show empathy and professionalism, have the confidence to challenge areas of concern, and work in line with evidence-based best practice.

You will be adaptable, reflective, reliable, and resilient, with strong self-awareness and leadership potential. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team are essential. You must also be willing and able to work a typical theatre rota, including out-of-hours shifts and weekends.

The post holder must be committed to undertaking and completing all required training associated with the apprenticeship programme.

Essential criteria include:

• Compliance with all mandatory training requirements
• Full commitment to attending all academic modules and study sessions

Entry requirements for the course are:

• A minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 (formerly grade C), including English Language, Mathematics, and one other subject, and
• Either 112 UCAS points, or an NVQ Level 3 in a healthcare or related subject, supported by a portfolio of evidence

These requirements are outlined on the Birmingham City University course page and may also be found via the UCAS course entry profile. Proof of qualifications (certificates and transcripts) must be provided at interview and should be clearly listed within your application.

To be eligible for a government-funded apprenticeship, applicants must have lived in the UK or EU for a minimum of three years, or hold an appropriate visa that covers the full 39-month duration of the course.

During the first year of training, clinical placements will take place across Eastern Services, including placements at Tiverton, Exmouth, and Heavitree Community Theatres.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours a week, typical shifts include 0800 to 1800, 1130 to 2100, or weekend shifts 0800 to 1430/1430 to 2100 and nights 2100 to 0800. As an apprentice, you will also be allocated study time as part of your working hours

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Pay: Annex 21 - 65% of top Band 5 (or Standard Band 3 if currently on band 3 pay), 70% of top Band 5 for year 2 and 75% of top Band 5 for year 3 (Annex 21)

Please note, this is a fixed term contract until date. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

For further information, please contact: Naomi Weaver, Clinical Educational Lead or Marina Goodwin, Clinical Practice Educator 01392 406291/RDUH.practiceedtheatre@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW

Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)