Job overview

Are you a dynamic, enthusiastic, motivated, forward thinking individual with an interest in providing a high standard of care to patients within the Perioperative setting?  

We are offering a new Degree Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) programme in partnership with the University of Derby.

We invite applications from individuals who fulfill the requirements outlined in the person specification. This includes candidates who are on track to complete Level 3 secondary education (such as A-Levels, T-Levels, BTEC, etc.) during this academic year. Applicants must have predicted grades that align with the entry criteria detailed in the person specification. As soon as the results are available, applicants are required to submit proof of their grades, and official certificates must be forwarded to the university no later than 42 days after the commencement of the course..

On completion of the apprenticeship  you will demonstrate you meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC 2014) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners and are eligible to apply for HCPC registration.  Following registration with HCPC and interview you will be offered a full time Operating Department Practitioner position in Main Theatre or Day Surgery.

Main duties of the job

The ODP Apprenticeship is a 3 year training programme working towards registration as an ODP with level 6 BSc Honours degree.  You will develop and maintain skills, knowledge and competencies to be able to work in a dynamic and changing health care environment. 

You will be based in Main Theatres/Day Surgery but expected to work in various surgical specialities that includes young people and adults in surgical, anaesthetics and post anaesthetic care unit settings to meet training demands.   Throughout training all work activities will be under the direct guidance and supervision of a registered practitioner.  

Our Main Theatre Suite comprises of ten Theatres and three Recovery Units; one of our theatres is a dedicated obstetric theatre and two of our theatres are modern, integrated theatres. We cover a wide range of surgical specialties including advanced laparoscopic surgery.  

We also provide skilled anaesthetic assistance in other areas such as CT, MRI, the Emergency Department and transfers to other units; along with participating as part of the resuscitation team.

Please note the salary for this apprenticeship post will be paid as follows:  60% of Band 5 rate in  Year 1, 65% of Band 5 rate in Year 2,  70%  of the Band 5 rate in Year 3. 

The successful candidate would be expected to participate in a rota system that provides 24 hour care, including weekends and public holidays.

Working for our organisation

There’s never been a more exciting time to join TeamQEH.  We’re working on a once in a generation opportunity to build a new state-of-the-art hospital to open in 2030 and we are also carrying out on one of the biggest pieces of digital transformation work we’ve ever undertaken.

Our new electronic patient record (EPR) will replace paper-based patient records from 2026 and will lead to better, safer, joined-up care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and beyond.

At The QEH we provide a comprehensive range of specialist, acute, obstetrics and community-based services to around 331,000 people across west and north Norfolk, North Cambs and South Lincs. 

We are an ambitious organisation that upholds our values of kindness, wellness and fairness. We strive for continuous quality improvement, recently demonstrated in our 2024 CQC maternity inspection rating our services as ‘Good’, and we are proud to be a place to learn and grow through recognised learning and apprenticeships. 

We recognise and reward our 4,000 staff and volunteers, priding ourselves on a community atmosphere and positive team spirit.  We have approx. 530 beds across 33 wards and have newly built education and training facilities, a range of modern award-winning centres alongside a talented team of people ready to give you a warm welcome.  We love working here and think you will too.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information and details of the post, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person specification

Qualifications/training and professional development

Essential criteria

• 5 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grades A-C, to include mathematics and English or equivalent Level 2
• Level 3 qualification (A levels, BTEC, NVQ 3, Access to Healthcare or equivalent) or 112 UCAS points

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of recent study and personal development
• Care Certificate

Experience and knowledge

Essential criteria

• Insight into the role and responsibilities of the post

Desirable criteria

• Previous healthcare experience

Skills, abilities, and knowledge

Essential criteria

• Willingness to learn and develop the role
• Confidence to work under supervision in the clinical setting
• Ability to work flexibly, covering 24 hour shift system

Applications are welcome from anyone who meets the criteria specified in the person specification regardless of age, gender, disability, race ,ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. Only those applicants who demonstrate in the application form how they meet the criteria in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who possess and can demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our core values.