Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Job overview

Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Frimley Health Foundation Trust - working at Frimley, Slough and Ascot

Earn while you learn – begin your journey towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner

Are you passionate about making a difference in patient care and looking for an exciting, hands-on career in healthcare? This is your opportunity to train as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) while gaining invaluable experience across a dynamic and supportive NHS Trust.

We are proud to offer a fully-funded apprenticeship leading to a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice, combining university-based academic learning with practical, on-the-job training. You will complete the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice, designed to develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a confident, competent and compassionate practitioner.

Main duties of the job

Working within our modern, well-equipped theatre departments across the Trust, you’ll play a key role in ensuring safe, high-quality care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. ODPs are critical members of the perioperative team, supporting patients before, during and after surgery. As an Apprentice ODP, you’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams – including anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals – learning how to deliver expert care in anaesthesia, surgery and post-operative recovery.

You’ll be immersed in a highly technical and fast-paced clinical environment, gaining practical experience in handling surgical instruments, managing specialist equipment, preparing anaesthetic apparatus, and supporting safe patient transfers. You'll also be involved in preparing medications, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring infection control and safety protocols are maintained at all times.

Your apprenticeship will include placements in other departments, giving you a broader understanding of the wider healthcare system and how perioperative care fits within the patient journey. Throughout your training, you will be fully supported by experienced mentors and educators committed to your professional development.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will meet the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency and be eligible to apply for professional registration as an ODP.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals who:

• Have a genuine interest in delivering high standards of patient care
• Are calm under pressure and thrive in a team-based environment
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Show commitment, compassion, and professional integrity
• Are ready to take on a rewarding yet challenging career path

Key Responsibilities During Apprenticeship

As an Apprentice ODP, you will:

• Work under supervision to assess and support patients throughout the perioperative phases
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective, and responsive theatre environment
• Develop decision-making and clinical reasoning skills to meet patient needs
• Learn to respond appropriately in clinical emergencies
• Adapt practice in response to evolving evidence and best practice guidelines
• Ensure care delivery meets national standards, including CQC and AFPP guidelines

This is more than just a job – it's the start of a rewarding NHS career where your training leads directly to a professional qualification, salary progression, and the opportunity to positively impact lives every day.

Join us at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and take the first step towards becoming a Registered Operating Department Practitioner.