Description
Operating Department Practitioner Apprenticeship
Duchy Hospital - Truro, Cornwall
Full Time Hours Per Week
3 Year Fixed Term Contract to cover length of apprenticeship
Duchy Hospital are looking to grow our own Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) by supporting suitable individuals to gain Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) registered status through apprenticeship and this is a key role to help us develop our workforce for the future.
No university fees, no student debts - you can earn whilst you learn! What are you waiting for?
Whilst previous experience in a care setting would be advantageous, it is not a requirement. Applicants should have a passion for caring and supporting people during surgery, and a desire to achieve HCPC registration. They need to be a good communicator, empathetic, supportive and work well as part of a team.
Programme Overview:
Duchy partners with Truro and Penwith College to provide this Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 which offers a unique opportunity to become a registered healthcare professional with specialised skills, providing hands-on experience in a highly technical and rewarding environment.
Further information, including academic entry requirements, can be found here:
Working for our organisation
Duchy Hospital is Cornwall’s only private hospital and has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality healthcare treatments and services. Everything we do is focused on providing the very best health care to all in a clean and safe environment.
By investing in advanced medical technology, the private hospital offers a wide range of treatments and services including orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery, cardiology, cosmetic surgery, general surgery, ophthalmology including eye laser surgery, gynaecology, urology and ear, nose and throat treatments.
About the apprenticeship
This apprenticeship will prepare you to provide high standards of care to patients undergoing surgery. You’ll learn to work with a team of highly skilled surgeons, anaesthetists, and theatre staff in the Operating Department setting.
The course combines both academic and clinical practice. This allows you to put your learning into practice and develop the skills required to care for patients, primarily in the operating department.
Some of the practical placements are delivered at Duchy, but others take place at healthcare venues around the county to ensure all necessary specialities are experienced.
Requirements
1. Whilst previous experience in a care setting would be advantageous, it is not a requirement.
2. Aged 18 years or over
3. GCSE Maths & English Level 4 (C) or equivalent.
Why join us?
At Ramsay Health Care UK, our people are at the heart of our success. Our benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance and career development, because we’re people caring for people:
Health, Wellbeing & Financial Security
4. Private Medical Cover, with the option to add your partner and dependants
5. Discounted Bupa Dental Insurance
6. Life Assurance (Death in Service) x3 your base salary
7. Private Pension, with Ramsay matching up to 5% after a qualifying period
8. Employee Assistance Programme
Work–Life Balance
9. 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days
10. Flexible shift patterns, where possible
11. Family friendly policies including enhanced parental leave
12. Volunteer leave to support causes that matter to you
Career Development & Recognition
13. Training and Development via the Ramsay Academy to support your career development
14. Colleague recognition programme to celebrate our people
Lifestyle & Everyday Perks
15. Access to our benefits platform, offering a wide range of discounts
16. Cycle2Work scheme
17. Subsidised staff restaurant, where possible
18. Free parking on site, where possible
Recruitment process
To be appointed, applicants need to be successful at face-to-face interview with members of the Duchy team, then second interview with Truro & Penwith College Programme team and Duchy staff.
Interviews will take place in April 2026 with a view to commencing in post at Duchy in June; the academic course commences in September 2026.
If you would Like to have an informal conversation before you apply please contact John Gurrin Theatre Manager or Martin Cowling Senior ODP
We care.
It’s more than what we do, it’s who we are. Everything we do is about striving to deliver the best care. And it's a belief that's as true today as it was when we welcomed our first patients in 1964.
“The Ramsay Way” culture recognises that our people are our most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.
We are proud to support the UK’s Armed Forces and Reservists and have already achieved the Silver Award as part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises employers who actively support Defence while encouraging other organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace. As a company we are committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community and this includes our staff as well as our patients.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This position is subject to background and DBS checks.