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Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Nurse Degree Apprenticeship - Learning Disability

The closing date is 19 September 2025

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Job summary

Are you an aspiring nurse who would like to make a difference to the lives of people we support?

Would you like to be paid to become a qualified Learning Disability Nurse?

Join our Nursing Apprenticeship Programme and establish a new career in healthcare

An exciting training opportunity to join the team in one of our services across Devon

The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the assessment and treatment of adults with a learning disability on the unit.

In partnership with the Open University, we are offering suitable candidates the training and support they need to start working as a Nursing Apprentice. You'll join us as a Nursing Apprentice and undertake a programme of 4 years to achieve your Learning Disability Nursing Degree.

You will need to be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time as you work towards becoming a qualified Nurse.

**Please ensure you are able to evidence within your application specific examples of how you meet the essential criteria required as detailed on the Job Description & Person Spec prior to submitting your application.

Main duties of the job

Please see the Job description and Person Spec for the main duties of the role you will be working towards during your training

Important Application/Interview key dates

Closing date 19th September 2025

If shortlisted, Mandatory attendance at virtual briefing session to via MS Teams delivered by the Open University and Apprenticeship Team. Scheduled 3for 30th September am or the 1st October pm

Interviews will be held via MS teams between 27th October - 31st October

Completion of the Trust/ OU's recruitment process

The academic programme is due to commence the February 2025 however, we would expect staff to be in post before this date

Eligibility Criteria for the Apprenticeship you must have (and be able to provide evidence of)

Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills
Evidence of recent study to level 3 alongside relevant experience. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis
Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

Our values

We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer.

Date posted

29 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Pay increment to band 4 on successful completion of stage 1

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0667

Job locations

Wonford House Hospital

Dryden Road

Exeter

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information on the role.

The job description attached to this advert is for a Band 5 Registered Nurse, which is the qualification you will be working towards. You will be asked sign a Trust Learning Agreement when you commence the Programme which will amend the job description to become an Apprentice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information on the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills.
Evidence of recent study to level 3. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.
A willingness to complete Trust Mandatory Courses (will be required to complete and undertake relevant Physical Interventions training with adjustments considered if required).

Analytical and Judgment Skills

Essential

Describe, with specific examples how you can demonstrate your ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.

Physical Skills

Essential

To be able to attend Mandatory Training for either 5 day or 3 day
restraint (as determined by manager/service), Breakaway, Manual
Handling etc.
To be able to work on the internal ward shift rotation which includes
night duties.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Describe how you anticipate balancing the demands of a role in the workplace alongside a student role.
Intermediate IT skills.

Other

Essential

To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality
guidance/policy.
Work as an effective role model.
Willingness to develop self.
Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the role.

Experience

Essential

Describe, using specific examples
Why you would like to qualify as a Learning Disability Nurse.
Your commitment, knowledge, and/or experience, or transferable skills in working with vulnerable client groups.
Your experience of coping in stressful and demanding situations.
Your experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
Describe, with examples, how your values align with Devon Partnership NHS Trusts

Desirable

Describe your experience of:
Working with people whose behaviour can be challenging.
Working clients/patients with complex mental health, Learning Disability or Autism support needs
Working in a Mental Health or Learning Disability setting (statutory or voluntary).

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills.
Evidence of recent study to level 3. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.
A willingness to complete Trust Mandatory Courses (will be required to complete and undertake relevant Physical Interventions training with adjustments considered if required).

Analytical and Judgment Skills

Essential

Describe, with specific examples how you can demonstrate your ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.

Physical Skills

Essential

To be able to attend Mandatory Training for either 5 day or 3 day
restraint (as determined by manager/service), Breakaway, Manual
Handling etc.
To be able to work on the internal ward shift rotation which includes
night duties.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Describe how you anticipate balancing the demands of a role in the workplace alongside a student role.
Intermediate IT skills.

Other

Essential

To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality
guidance/policy.
Work as an effective role model.
Willingness to develop self.
Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the role.

Experience

Essential

Describe, using specific examples
Why you would like to qualify as a Learning Disability Nurse.
Your commitment, knowledge, and/or experience, or transferable skills in working with vulnerable client groups.
Your experience of coping in stressful and demanding situations.
Your experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
Describe, with examples, how your values align with Devon Partnership NHS Trusts

Desirable

Describe your experience of:
Working with people whose behaviour can be challenging.
Working clients/patients with complex mental health, Learning Disability or Autism support needs
Working in a Mental Health or Learning Disability setting (statutory or voluntary).

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.