Job summary
- Main area
- Theatres
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- 36 months (Fixed term contract for the duration of the ODP Apprenticeship)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (This role supports delivery of a 24/7 service. It therefore requires complete flexibility of shift coverage and you may be rostered to work days, long days, nights and weekends.)
- Job ref
- 339-ASCR3199-DJF
- Employer
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Southmead Hospital
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £28,392 - £31,157 per annum, pro rata for part time roles
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 12/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner
Band 4
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Job overview
Are you a dynamic, enthusiastic, motivated and forward thinking individual with an interest in providing a high standard of care to patients within the perioperative setting?
Would you like to work towards registration as a fully qualified ODP by undertaking a degree level apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine clinical practice with academic study and you will be paid a salary whilst you are learning the necessary skills for your Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) qualification.
We are offering an amazing opportunity to undertake an Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship in association with the University of Gloucestershire. This is an innovative route to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours required across different areas of perioperative care.
On successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council to enter the Register of Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). You will then be able to apply for a Band 5 ODP contract.
Main duties of the job
This is a 3-year fixed term contract on a full-time basis; you will work as part of the Operating Department Team and be paid at B4. The programme combines work-based and academic learning between North Bristol NHS Trust and the University of Gloucestershire.
The BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice incorporates the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship standards for Operating Department Practice.
The role is demanding; you will demonstrate the required maturity, professionalism and dedication to manage the combined requirements of studying whilst working, with the resilience and tenacity to continue at times of pressure.
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
During the apprenticeship you will be fully supported to develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to work in today’s dynamic, complex and changing healthcare environment.
You will be required to travel to the University of Gloucestershire to undertake taught elements of the degree programme and will have a base clinical placement at North Bristol NHS Trust.
Entry Criteria
Please note to be eligible for the apprenticeship you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be employed in relevant clinical practice (e.g. you must have a minimum of 6 months working as a Band 3 HCSW in a perioperative / interventional setting)
- Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years
- Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visas issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirements
- Not be currently working towards any other government funded training programme
- Not have a qualification in the same subject at the same level or above that of this apprenticeship
- Hold GCSE Maths and English at minimum of Grade C/4 and be able to evidence this as part of your application
We also ask for one of the following:
-
- 112 UCAS points (typically BBC at A Level), including one science subject
- DMM at BTEC in a science or human health-based subject
- An overall pass in a health-related Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credits), of which 45 should be at a Level 3 and 15 should be at Merit or Distinction. A minimum of 18 credits should be in a science subject
- Successful completion of a level 3 or 4 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship
- Other relevant experience (agreed on a case by case basis).
Application and selection process:
North Bristol NHS Trust and the University of Gloucestershire will be holding a joint recruitment process. The opportunity will be advertised directly by North Bristol NHS Trust and interested candidates will apply directly on line. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a panel interview. The panel will consist of representatives from NBT and the University of Gloucestershire.
As part of the selection process you will also be required to submit a short written assignment prior to the interview for assessment by the panel. The subject matter will be confirmed in advance of the interviews.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Level 3 award in Health and Social Care of alternative equivalent qualification in related discipline
- Maths & English at minimum of functional skills L2
- Proficient in spoken English
- Evidence of recent study
- Proven ability to study independently
Work Experience
Essential criteria
- Health and Social Care experience including a minimum of working 6 months in the operating theatre environment
Knowledge/skills/abilities
Essential criteria
- Insight into the roles and responsibilities of the post.
- Excellent communication skills including verbal, non- verbal and written.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Team working.
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Caring, compassionate and self-motivated
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Confident and enthusiastic
- Willingness to learn and develop their role
- Awareness of professional and personal limitations.
- Commitment to undergo training as required to complete the programme.
- Confidence to work under supervision in the clinical setting.
- Ability to work flexibly, on a variety of shifts covering the 24 hour cycle of care
- Be expected to complete self- study sessions outside of working hours in order to complete academic components of the programme
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Kath Bloomberg
- Job title
- Perioperative Development Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 011741 40897
- Additional information
For further information or to discuss suitability for the Apprenticeship ODP programme please contact: Kath Bloomberg, Perioperative Development Manager - [email protected] or Glynis Crowe, Perioperative Practice Facilitator - [email protected]
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