Role Summary
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern) Operating Theatres has an exciting opportunity to join our innovative and supportive theatre team as Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) apprentices. Apprentice ODP will work towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner by gaining a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice qualification and becoming a HCPC registered ODP
ODPs are registered healthcare professionals specialising in anaesthetics, surgery and the post anaesthetic care, providing high-quality clinical care to all patient age groups.
The Apprentice ODP will undertake an apprenticeship program incorporating the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship Standards for Operating Department Practice. The apprenticeship program combines academic and work-based learning; the Apprentice ODP will be fully supported to develop the skills required throughout the apprenticeship.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We have a new and exciting full-time training role starting in June 2025 as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Apprentice and are looking for enthusiastic people to join the Theatre team. The training will involve a 3-year programme (38.5 months) with Birmingham City University (South West). Clinical placements are based at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern services including community hospitals) with theory and tutorials delivered by BCU in Devon.
You will need to have an understanding of the scope of the role of the ODP in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development. You will treat people with dignity, respecting individual diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences. You will show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence-based best practice. You will also be adaptable, reflective, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience, self-awareness, demonstrate leadership, communicate effectively and work well in a team.
You must also be able to work a typical roster pattern including out-of-hours shifts and weekends.
The post holder must be willing and able to undertake the necessary training required to complete the course.
Other essential criteria are as follows:
- Completed care certificate (desirable) which can be done in the period you will be a Theatre Health Care Support Worker from June if you haven’t already achieved it.
- Be compliant with all mandatory training requirements.
- Be able to commit to fully attending the academic study and modules required
The admission requirements for this course are:
- at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (formerly grade C) in English language, Mathematics and one other Subject and
- either 112 UCAS points or a NVQ level 3 in healthcare or associated subject and a portfolio of evidence.
These are stated on the course page of the BCU website at https://www.bcu.ac.uk/ or may be found by searching for the course entry profile located on the UCAS website. Proof of qualifications is required at interview (Certificates and Transcripts). Please ensure you list these on your application.
To be eligible for government-funded Apprenticeships, you should also have lived within the UK or EU for at least the last 3 years or hold an appropriate visa that covers the 38.5 months of the course duration.
During your first year of training, placements will be carried out across eastern services including placements in Tiverton, Exmouth and Heavitree Community theatres.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours a week, typical shifts include 0800 to 1800, 1130 to 2100, or weekend shifts 0800 to 1430/1430 to 2100 and nights 2100 to 0800.
Interview Date: To be confirmed - please note that the interview process for this role is a whole-day interview. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to attend a shadow session in theatres before the interview.
For further information please contact: Naomi Weaver, Clinical Educational Lead or Marina Goodwin, Clinical Practice Educator 01392 406291/RDUH.practiceedtheatre@nhs.net
This is a fixed term contract for 39 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
