Apprentice ODP

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, for up to 4 colleagues to join us as a BSc (Hons) -Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprentice in association with the Birmingham City University.

We are looking for enthusiastic, proactive and motivated individuals to undertake the Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship. If you enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team and have a keen interest in providing best quality care for patients and their relatives, this exciting new career pathway may be the job for you.

This BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based integrated degree, which enables you to become an Operating Department Practitioner, whilst being employed within the operating theatre.

Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship and successful registration with the HCPC as an Operating Department Practitioner, you will be able to apply for a band 5 ODP job contract.

You will be supported in developing your post registration skills and competencies further which will allow you to progress in your career after completing the apprenticeship.

Please note: Start date and place of study are subject to change depending on numbers. The start date could potentially be delayed to September 2026 and teaching moved to Exeter. If you would like to discuss this further, please make contact via email sally.boggie@somersetft.nhs.uk

Main duties of the job

You will learn a diverse set of skills in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery which will allow you to gain an insight into all three of those clinical specialties.The ODP Apprenticeship is a new and exciting route of working towards a professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). ODPs provide highly skilled patient centred care in all areas of the perioperative department and beyond.

The ODP Apprenticeship allows you to combine work and clinical placement learning with academic study to achieve the required 20% off the job apprenticeship training.You will be employed as part of the theatre team as an ODP Apprentice on a 3-year fixed term Band 3 contract and will be working predominately in the perioperative environment.

Eligibility checks, and verification of qualifications will be completed by the Trust and University, and all places are conditional and subject to this confirmation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please ensure that you hold the necessary qualifications and certification as detailed in the University entry requirements before applying.You will be required to travel to Birmingham for academic study, the programme will follow a day release structure, meaning that you will attend University 1 day per week throughout the course, this will be delivered as a mixture of online learning and face to face teaching.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.