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Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Accelerated Nurse Degree Apprenticeship LD & MH

The closing date is 12 April 2026

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Job summary

Accelerated Nursing Apprenticeship Programme (MH/LD)

Are you a qualified Trainee Nurse Associate or a Qualified Assistant Practitioner?

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 Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse?

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

In partnership with the Open University, we are offering suitable candidates the training and support they need to start working as a Nursing Apprentice. Youll join us as a Nursing Apprentice and undertake an accelerated programme or either 18 months for qualified Nurse Associates or 24 months qualified Assistant Practitioners to top up your currently qualification to the Mental Health or Learning Disability Nursing Degree . Alongside part time study, for which funding is provided, you will be based in one of the teams working in our services across Devon.

You will also need to be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time as you work towards becoming a qualified Nurse. During the challenging course, you will top up your knowledge and skills from your current role as you work towards demonstrating your competence in the role of either a Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse.

Main duties of the job

Important Application/Interview key dates

If you are an international employee with visa requirements you need to ensure you hold a full visa that will last from the start to the finish of this apprenticeship program before you apply

**Please ensure you are able to evidence the essential criteria required at interview stage as detailed on the Job Description & Person Spec prior to submitting your application.

Closing date 05/04/2026

If shortlisted, Mandatory attendance at one of the virtual briefing sessions to via MS Teams delivered by the Open University and Apprenticeship Team. scheduled for 20/4/2026 and 21/4/2026

you will also be required to complete the OU application at this point - details will be sent

Interviews will be held via MS teams w/c 11/5/2026 -15/5/2026

Completion of the Trust's/ OU's recruitment process

The academic programme is due to commence Sept 2026 however, we would expect staff to be in post before this date

Nursing apprentices completing the accelerated programme will be paid based on their current Agenda for Change Band 4 scale starting at £28,392 and will remain at this rate until qualification as a Registered Mental Health Nurse.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability services and nuerodiversity 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 Employer.

Date posted

20 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0134

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job descriptions and person spec documents attached to this advert are for a Band 5 Registered Nurse (Community or Inpatientwhich is the qualification you will be working towards.

The Mental Health Practitioner JD is aimed at Communitiy Roles whilst the Inpatient Nurse JD is aimed at inpatient nurses

You will be asked sign a Trust Learning Agreement when you commence the Programme which will amend the job description to become an Apprentice.

Supervision and support, (direct and indirect) will be provided or available to you during all tasks, with progression being dependent on the completion of set objectives throughout the programme. This will enable the apprentice to work within the organisation to gain confidence, experience and build a portfolio of evidence for apprenticeship accreditation

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job descriptions and person spec documents attached to this advert are for a Band 5 Registered Nurse (Community or Inpatientwhich is the qualification you will be working towards.

The Mental Health Practitioner JD is aimed at Communitiy Roles whilst the Inpatient Nurse JD is aimed at inpatient nurses

You will be asked sign a Trust Learning Agreement when you commence the Programme which will amend the job description to become an Apprentice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A foundation degree as a Nurse Associate or Assistant Practitioner.
Level 2 Functional Skills, GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) or above in English and Maths.
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

Ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.
Have an awareness and ability to maintain personal boundaries.
Able to risk assess

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Excellent verbal and written skills.
Ability to form positive therapeutic relationships with service users, carers and other professional bodies.
Excellent IT skills.
Ability to engage in and lead (when required) MDT meetings

Desirable

Knowledge of electronic case notes

Other

Essential

To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality guidance/policy
Be able to work as part of a team.
Work as an effective role model.
Promote effective service delivery and future changes in a positive way
Willingness to develop self

Planning and Organisational Skills

Essential

To be able to plan and implement all aspects of nursing skills.
To demonstrate effective leadership skills, promote effective role model across the ward environment

Experience

Essential

Experience of working in a mental health or Learning disabilities setting
or Experience of working with vulnerable groups

Physical Skills

Essential

if not already completed, 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

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A foundation degree as a Nurse Associate or Assistant Practitioner.
Level 2 Functional Skills, GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) or above in English and Maths.
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

Ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.
Have an awareness and ability to maintain personal boundaries.
Able to risk assess

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Excellent verbal and written skills.
Ability to form positive therapeutic relationships with service users, carers and other professional bodies.
Excellent IT skills.
Ability to engage in and lead (when required) MDT meetings

Desirable

Knowledge of electronic case notes

Other

Essential

To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality guidance/policy
Be able to work as part of a team.
Work as an effective role model.
Promote effective service delivery and future changes in a positive way
Willingness to develop self

Planning and Organisational Skills

Essential

To be able to plan and implement all aspects of nursing skills.
To demonstrate effective leadership skills, promote effective role model across the ward environment

Experience

Essential

Experience of working in a mental health or Learning disabilities setting
or Experience of working with vulnerable groups

Physical Skills

Essential

if not already completed, 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

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.