Apprentice ODP

Job summary
Apprentice Degree Operating Department Practitioner (Band 3)

This is a 3.5-year fixed-term apprenticeship opportunity that combines academic study with hands-on clinical experience in a hospital setting. The apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with a university and provides the successful applicant with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a qualified Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

As part of the programme, you will be expected to balance your work-based learning with university study and successfully complete all academic and practical training requirements. Full support will be provided throughout your apprenticeship to help you achieve the standards required for the role.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice and will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), enabling you to practise as a registered Operating Department Practitioner.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are committed to developing a rewarding career within perioperative care.

This post does not meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and is only open to internal applicants

Main duties of the job
Supporting Clinical Excellence

• Work alongside registered practitioners, to learn and undertake a range of Operating Department Practitioner Skills
• To take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership, and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the ODP Training Programme
• Develop, by the end of the Apprentice ODP Programme, the ability to work without direct supervision, accessing clinical and care advice when needed
• Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills required for the role

Supporting Patient Excellence

• To greet patients/visitors with respect and with a manner which always promotes their sense of dignity, considering any cultural and language barriers
• To be aware of the needs of the individual person and be able to communicate effectively with patients who come from different backgrounds, or who may have challenging behaviour, learning or physical disabilities

Professional/General Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the safe use of equipment and adhere to trust policies, regulations, and local rules of practice
• Ensure Health and Safety legislation is met, and appropriate standards maintained within the Operating Department
• To be familiar with the fire procedures for the department
• Ensure all infection control standards are adhered to, and high levels of cleanliness are maintained

About us
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close adverts once sufficient applications have been received.

We recognise that AI tools can support application writing; however, candidates are asked to keep their use to a minimum. Responses should reflect your own experience, skills and knowledge, as over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in generic answers that do not accurately represent your abilities.

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) brings together Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. As a group, we are committed to improving services for our communities through collaboration, modernising care delivery and striving for excellence. Working together enables us to share expertise, strengthen services and create greater opportunities, and there may be a requirement to work across sites depending on service needs.

Our Excellence Values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage. UHN welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. Candidates who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Details
Date posted: 06 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum
Contract: Apprenticeship
Duration: 42 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 264-8152655-SUR
Job locations: Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for a full list of all Roles and Responsibilities.

Person Specification
Education
Essential

• Minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above and must include English and Maths
• Level 3 qualification preferable in health care related subject

Desirable

• Completed Care Certificate (or Equivalent) or working towards
• Meet the University eligibility criteria required for mature students

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Knowledge and Understanding of the role of Operating Department Practitioners
• Knowledge of HCPC Code of Conduct and AfPP guidelines
• Knowledge of and evidence of being able to work at the Trust Values and Behaviours.
• Experience of working in acute healthcare
• Knowledge and Experience of delivering holistic care
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Desirable

• Experience of working in the peri-operative environment
• To work and understand NHS Guidelines and Quality Standards

Skills
Essential

• Interest in Peri- Operative/ Acute Care
• Caring and Compassionate Personality
• Effective Communication- written and verbal
• Effective Interpersonal/ multi- disciplinary skills
• Comprehend and apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice
• Well-Motivated and with enthusiasm to develop skills
• Able to always maintain confidentiality

Desirable

• Good Time Management Skills (including punctuality and time keeping)
• Ability to work under pressure
• Able to demonstrate problem solving skills selecting appropriate action

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential

• Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
• Able to work flexibly as the service needs demand
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to succeed in the role
• Able to understand the needs of patients and deal with them with tact and sensitivity
• Effective team facilitation and motivational skills
• High level of concentration to ensure that all regulatory guidance is met
• Be able to perform patient manual handling of patients in line with Trust policy

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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Practice Development Lead, Theatres, Sarah Shepherd, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.