Job summary
Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner
Frimley Health Foundation Trust - working at Frimley, Slough and Ascot
Earn while you learn - begin your journey towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner
Are you passionate about making a difference in patient care and looking for an exciting, hands-on career in healthcare? This is your opportunity to train as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) while gaining invaluable experience across a dynamic and supportive NHS Trust.
We are proud to offer afully-funded apprenticeship leading to a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice, combining university-based academic learning with practical, on-the-job training. You will complete the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice, designed to develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a confident, competent and compassionate practitioner.
Main duties of the job
Working within our modern, well-equipped theatre departments across the Trust, you'll play a key role in ensuring safe, high-quality care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. ODPs are critical members of the perioperative team, supporting patients before, during and after surgery. As an Apprentice ODP, you'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams - including anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals - learning how to deliver expert care in anaesthesia, surgery and post-operative recovery.
You'll be immersed in a highly technical and fast-paced clinical environment, gaining practical experience in handling surgical instruments, managing specialist equipment, preparing anaesthetic apparatus, and supporting safe patient transfers. You'll also be involved in preparing medications, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring infection control and safety protocols are maintained at all times.
Your apprenticeship will include placements in other departments, giving you a broader understanding of the wider healthcare system and how perioperative care fits within the patient journey. Throughout your training, you will be fully supported by experienced mentors and educators committed to your professional development.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will meet the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency and be eligible to apply for professional registration as an ODP.
About us
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo
Job description
Job responsibilities
What Were Looking For
We are seeking individuals who:
-
Have a genuine interest in delivering high standards of patient care
-
Are calm under pressure and thrive in a team-based environment
-
Demonstrate strong communication skills and attention to detail
-
Show commitment, compassion, and professional integrity
-
Are ready to take on a rewarding yet challenging career path
Key Responsibilities During Apprenticeship As an Apprentice ODP, you will:
-
Work under supervision to assess and support patients throughout the perioperative phases
-
Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective, and responsive theatre environment
-
Develop decision-making and clinical reasoning skills to meet patient needs
-
Learn to respond appropriately in clinical emergencies
-
Adapt practice in response to evolving evidence and best practice guidelines
-
Ensure care delivery meets national standards, including CQC and AFPP guidelines
This is more than just a job it's the start of a rewarding NHS career where your training leads directly to a professional qualification, salary progression, and the opportunity to positively impact lives every day.
Join us at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and take the first step towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What Were Looking For
We are seeking individuals who:
-
Have a genuine interest in delivering high standards of patient care
-
Are calm under pressure and thrive in a team-based environment
-
Demonstrate strong communication skills and attention to detail
-
Show commitment, compassion, and professional integrity
-
Are ready to take on a rewarding yet challenging career path
Key Responsibilities During Apprenticeship As an Apprentice ODP, you will:
-
Work under supervision to assess and support patients throughout the perioperative phases
-
Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective, and responsive theatre environment
-
Develop decision-making and clinical reasoning skills to meet patient needs
-
Learn to respond appropriately in clinical emergencies
-
Adapt practice in response to evolving evidence and best practice guidelines
-
Ensure care delivery meets national standards, including CQC and AFPP guidelines
This is more than just a job it's the start of a rewarding NHS career where your training leads directly to a professional qualification, salary progression, and the opportunity to positively impact lives every day.
Join us at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and take the first step towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oCare Certificate o112- 136 UCAS Tariff score oA level grades at BBC or above / equivalent. oBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM oInternational Baccalaureate at 30 points oFETAC / QQI 5 Distinctions in health care-related subjects oAccess to HE Diploma in Nursing qualification (Minimum 60 credits overall with 12 Merits and 30 Distinctions at Level 3 and 15 Credits at Level 2 at Pass) o5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science at grade 4/C or above or equivalent. Functional Skills in English and Maths. oAn Access to Higher Education qualification (minimum of 45 Level 3 credits, with 18 at Distinction and 27 at Merit) which must be in a science-based subject is also acceptable
Desirable
- oEvidence of recent study oHealth and Social Care Level 3 or equivalent
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- oInsight into the roles and responsibilities of the post oBasic IT skills. oExcellent communication skills including verbal, non- verbal and written oGood organisational and time management skills. oManual dexterity oExcellent interpersonal skills Team working.
Desirable
- oSome basic knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology o Evidence of practical knowledge and competences demonstrated through hobbies and interests or actual workplace experience, (could be through Work Experience while in School / College)
Professional/Functional Experiance
Essential
- oEnhanced Disclosure Barring Service clearance oThe Apprentice ODP Practitioner must be 18 years of age or older and must not hold a qualification at the same or higher level in the vocational subject area. oAwareness of professional and personal limitations.
Desirable
- oHealth and Social Care experience oPrevious experience working in the perioperative setting
Special Requirements
Essential
- oWillingness to travel to meet the requirements of the post, with the support of paid travel expenses in line with Trust policy. o Annual holiday entitlement will be in line with Trust policy however: No annual leave will be granted during university term time. o Annual leave will need to be authorised by the Theatre Professional Development Facilitator to ensure there will be minimal disruption to training. oAble to cope with the Occupational Health requirements for the post including physical and emotional aspects of the role. oWillingness to develop new skills and undertake apprenticeship training programme - including study days in university and external clinical placements oAbility to work flexibly on a variety of shifts covering the 24-hour cycle of care oBe expected to complete self- study sessions outside of working hours in order to complete academic components of the programme.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oCare Certificate o112- 136 UCAS Tariff score oA level grades at BBC or above / equivalent. oBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM oInternational Baccalaureate at 30 points oFETAC / QQI 5 Distinctions in health care-related subjects oAccess to HE Diploma in Nursing qualification (Minimum 60 credits overall with 12 Merits and 30 Distinctions at Level 3 and 15 Credits at Level 2 at Pass) o5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science at grade 4/C or above or equivalent. Functional Skills in English and Maths. oAn Access to Higher Education qualification (minimum of 45 Level 3 credits, with 18 at Distinction and 27 at Merit) which must be in a science-based subject is also acceptable
Desirable
- oEvidence of recent study oHealth and Social Care Level 3 or equivalent
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- oInsight into the roles and responsibilities of the post oBasic IT skills. oExcellent communication skills including verbal, non- verbal and written oGood organisational and time management skills. oManual dexterity oExcellent interpersonal skills Team working.
Desirable
- oSome basic knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology o Evidence of practical knowledge and competences demonstrated through hobbies and interests or actual workplace experience, (could be through Work Experience while in School / College)
Professional/Functional Experiance
Essential
- oEnhanced Disclosure Barring Service clearance oThe Apprentice ODP Practitioner must be 18 years of age or older and must not hold a qualification at the same or higher level in the vocational subject area. oAwareness of professional and personal limitations.
Desirable
- oHealth and Social Care experience oPrevious experience working in the perioperative setting
Special Requirements
Essential
- oWillingness to travel to meet the requirements of the post, with the support of paid travel expenses in line with Trust policy. o Annual holiday entitlement will be in line with Trust policy however: No annual leave will be granted during university term time. o Annual leave will need to be authorised by the Theatre Professional Development Facilitator to ensure there will be minimal disruption to training. oAble to cope with the Occupational Health requirements for the post including physical and emotional aspects of the role. oWillingness to develop new skills and undertake apprenticeship training programme - including study days in university and external clinical placements oAbility to work flexibly on a variety of shifts covering the 24-hour cycle of care oBe expected to complete self- study sessions outside of working hours in order to complete academic components of the programme.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Cross site position - Ascot, Frimley and Slough
Frimley Park Hospital
Portsmouth Road
GU16 7UJ
Employer's website
https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
