Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner
Job Description
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity is available to join Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust as an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). This is a fully funded, three-year apprenticeship programme where you will earn while you learn, combining academic study with hands-on experience in theatre settings.
You will be employed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals and study for a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice at Sheffield Hallam University, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon successful completion.
This programme is ideal for individuals who are passionate about delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care throughout the perioperative journey—from anaesthetics, surgery to post-operative recovery.
Key Responsibilities
During your apprenticeship, you will:
Work within operating theatres under the supervision of registered professionals to deliver compassionate and safe care to patients.
Rotate through a variety of clinical placements to gain broad experience of perioperative care.
Complete academic modules, written assignments, practical assessments, and a final end-point assessment.
Develop a portfolio of evidence demonstrating skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours required by the HCPC and the Institute for Apprenticeships.
Attend scheduled university study blocks at Sheffield Hallam University.
Collaborate with your clinical mentor to ensure safe and effective learning in practice.
Uphold the Trust’s values and the NHS Constitution, including a commitment to fairness, accountability, and high-quality care.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:
Aged 18 years or older.
Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years before the programme start date.
Hold a valid visa covering the full length of the programme (until at least September 2028).
Able to meet Occupational Health clearance (with reasonable adjustments if needed).
Essential Qualifications
You must have:
GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).
Level 3 qualifications such as:
96 UCAS points from A Levels or equivalent (e.g. BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals, or T Levels).
Access to HE Diploma from a QAA-recognised provider.
Level 3 Apprenticeship or relevant HTQs (Level 4/5 such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Cert HE, or Dip HE).
Other qualifications may be accepted upon discussion with Sheffield Hallam University.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
Care Certificate.
Previous experience (including volunteering) in a health or social care setting.
Skills & Attributes
Essential:
A compassionate, caring, and professional attitude.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Motivated, reliable, and committed to learning and development.
Insight into the role of an Operating Department Practitioner.
Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary team.
Understanding of healthcare and patient needs.
Desirable:
Basic IT skills.
Experience in a healthcare or clinical setting.
Training & Career Pathway
On successful completion of this 3-year programme, you will:
Qualify with a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice.
Be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner.
Be well-placed to apply for Band 5 ODP roles within the NHS and continue your professional development.
About Us
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest and most respected teaching hospital trusts in the UK. As a part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), we are working collaboratively to deliver exceptional care across the region.
Our values—Patient-Centred, Collaborative, Fair, Accountable, and Empowered—guide everything we do. Joining us means becoming part of an organisation committed to learning, innovation, and improving patient outcomes.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS):
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Right to Work:
You must already have the right to work in the UK and maintain this for the entire duration of the apprenticeship. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
Apply via the NHS Jobs portal before 08 September 2025. Due to high interest, this advert may close early once sufficient suitable applications are received.
