Occupational Therapy Apprentice
Closing date: 07 May 2026
Main duties of the job
You will undertake a three‑year Occupational Therapy apprenticeship programme. You will work with a diverse range of service users providing essential care that helps people overcome barriers to their daily activities. As well as academic study, you will gain hands‑on experience alongside qualified Occupational Therapists in various settings, receiving structured mentorship and support throughout your training. The Apprenticeship Programme integrates academic and work‑based learning through close collaboration between Dorset HealthCare and our education providers. You can expect to spend approximately 20% of your time in academic study (off‑the‑job learning) and the remainder working in practice under the supervision of a clinical mentor. On successful completion of the programme, you will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and behaviours to ensure competence at the point of qualification. You will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and will meet the professional standards set by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
Person Specification
Qualifications
* 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A–C or above including Maths and English. Level 2 functional skills in maths and English will also be considered alongside GCSEs.
* Minimum of a level 3 qualification – A levels, Access to HE Diploma, BTEC / Full NVQ3 or equivalent.
* Evidence of recent study experience (within last 3 years). Understanding of evidence‑based practice.
Job Specific Experience
* Experience with children, young people and families.
* Experience of prioritising own time and working to deadlines.
* At least 1 year’s experience working within a relevant health or social care setting or children and young people service provision or educational setting.
* Ability to carry out all aspects of the post which involves patient handling and carrying therapy equipment.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy profession and process, its application in clinical practice.
* Awareness of Child and Adolescent mental health and wellbeing.
* Awareness of the impact of poor health on overall well‑being and the positive impact of activity on health and well‑being.
Personal Qualities/Attributes
* Demonstrate empathy and reliability.
* Ability to demonstrate organisational values and behaviours – we are caring, we are one team, we are listening to understand, we are open and honest, we are always improving, we are inclusive.
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
Additional Requirements
* Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
* Enhanced DBS disclosure.
* Demonstrate commitment to undertaking a degree course of study.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
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