Job Overview
Are you or have you recently been working in operating theatres and want to take the next step in your career?
We have a fantastic opportunity for someone who is motivated and passionate about providing high standards of patient care and wants to work towards become becoming a fully qualified ODP.
This is an apprenticeship opportunity enabling you to continue in paid employment whilst studying towards a BSC in Operating Department Practice incorporating the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship standards for Operating Department Practice. This 3 year course combines work-based and academic learning between the RUH and the University of Gloucester starting January 2026 and is a new and 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).
Essential Entry Criteria
* Be employed in relevant clinical practice (e.g. must have a minimum of 6 months working as a B3 HCA in a perioperative / interventional setting)
* 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 and written English
* Evidence of recent study
* Proven ability to study independently and mange time proficiently
Main duties of the job
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. Whilst you will be allocated to the Operating Department, you will also experience working across both internal and external clinical placement areas to gain wider experience and achieve the learning outcomes of the programme.
You will be completing on-the-job learning and collating evidence of achievement in a practice portfolio. The academic study will make up 20% of the course and is delivered through 'blended learning' - a combination of face-to-face and online teaching. Face-to-face sessions will be in blocks and day release. Online learning can include group webinars, independent activities or reading between the block study sessions. There will an expectation that the writing of essays, dissertations and revision for exams will be done in the candidates own time. The ability to work independently and demonstrate efficient time management will be essential.
Application And Selection
If your application is shortlisted you will be invited to a panel interview. The panel will consist of representatives from the RUH 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.
Working for our organisation
At the RUH we’re proud to put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone’s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.
We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.
A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.
We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We’ve even got a pool!
We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more aboutliving and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
* Demonstrates insight in to the roles and responsibilities of the post
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Grade C in Math and English at GCSE
* Achievement at NVQ level 3 or equivalent
* Be employed in relevant clinical practice (e.g. must have a minumim of 6 months working as a B3 HCA in a perioperative / interventional setting)
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
This vacancy may close early if we receive a high number of applications. We strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in good time to ensure it can be considered.
Documents to download
* Job Description and Person Spec - Apprentice ODP (PDF, 737.8KB)
* Join the RUH (PDF, 1.1MB)
Further details / informal visits contact
Name David Haughton Job title Perioperative Training and Development Lead Email address d.haughton@nhs.net Telephone number 01225 826552 Additional information
Contactable Tuesday to Friday - 8-18:00 #J-18808-Ljbffr