West of Scotland Graduate Apprentice ODP Programme 2026
NHS Forth Valley are delighted to offer an exciting and innovative opportunity to undertake the Graduate Apprenticeship Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Operating Department Practice, which is being delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland.
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are members of the multi-disciplinary team providing a high standard of perioperative care to patients. ODPs have an important role in the three phases of perioperative care: the anaesthetic phase, surgical phase and the post-anaesthetic phase.
The 3‑year programme commencing in September 2026 is a blend of online educational theory and clinical work-based learning. Throughout the programme you will progressively gain experience in a variety of perioperative environments across NHS Forth Valley and be fully supported by clinical mentors.
Successful completion of the programme provides eligibility to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as an ODP. You must be ready to commence employment with NHS Forth Valley in September 2026.
What you can bring
* Caring individual who is self‑motivated, with excellent communication skills.
* Committed to independent study and personal development.
* Proficient in the use of digital technology, information systems and email.
* Experience of working to deadlines and the ability to prioritise.
Hours
Full time (Agenda for change)
Entry Qualifications
* 5 passes in Scottish National Qualifications, including 3 at Higher Level C or above.
* Applicants with equivalent or non‑standard qualifications (including Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, SVQs/NVQs, HNC, HND and access programmes) will also be considered.
* For those who do not meet the standard entry requirements, applications may be considered on an individual basis if they possess a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience and meet the previous DipHE entry criteria (passes in five subjects including two at higher level or equivalent).
English Language Requirements
To meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements for accreditation, all candidates must be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to Level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no element below 6.5.
Academic Course Fees
You must qualify for funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This is paid directly to the university, but each student must apply individually.
Salary
* Up to 12 months prior to completion of training – 75 % of the pay band maximum of the fully-qualified rate.
* More than one but less than two years prior to completion of training – 70 % of the pay band maximum of the qualified rate.
* More than two but less than three years prior to completion of training – 65 % of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate.
The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part-time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
This post will also be considered as an in-training position under Annex 21 of the Agenda for Change terms & conditions.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among its workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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