Trainee Operating Department Practitioner – Theatres

Job Description

West of Scotland Graduate Apprentice ODP Programme 2026

NHS Forth Valley are delighted to offer an exciting and innovative opportunity to undertake the Graduate Apprenticeship Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Operating Department Practice. This programme is delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland.

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are members of the multi disciplinary team providing a high standard of peri operative care to patients. ODPs play an important role in the three phases of peri operative care: the anaesthetic phase, the surgical phase and the post anaesthetic phase.

The 3 year programme, commencing in September 2026, blends online educational theory with clinical work based learning. Throughout the programme you will progressively gain experience in a variety of peri operative environments across NHS Forth Valley and be fully supported by clinical mentors. Successful completion of the programme provides eligibility to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as an ODP.

What you can bring?

It is essential that you are a caring individual who is self motivated, with excellent communication skills. You must be committed to independent study and personal development, proficient in the use of digital technology, information systems and email, experienced with working to deadlines and capable of prioritising tasks.

Hours

Full time (Agenda for change)

Entry qualifications

5 passes in Scottish National Qualifications, including 3 at Higher Level C or above. Applicants with equivalent or non standard qualifications (including Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, SVQs, NVQs, HNC, HND and access programmes) will also be considered. For those who do not meet the standard entry requirements, applications may be considered on an individual basis if you possess a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience and meet the previous Diploma of Higher Education entry criteria (passes in five subjects including two at higher level or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

To meet the HCPC (2022) requirements for accreditation, all candidates must be able to communicate in English to the Standard equivalent to Level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no element below 6.5.

Academic Course Fees

You must qualify for funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This is paid directly to the university; each student must apply individually.

Salary

Apprenticeships covered by Annex 21 have pay scales based on the remaining period of training:

• Up to 12 months before completion: 75 % of the maximum of the fully qualified rate.
• More than 1 but less than 2 years before completion: 70 % of the maximum qualified rate.
• More than 2 but less than 3 years before completion: 65 % of the maximum qualified rate.

Agenda for Change Adjustment

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full time working week will reduce from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and other required criteria. If you are currently working on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Sponsorship is assessed on a case by case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre employment checks.

Contact information

West of Scotland Regional Lead: Sharon Brown

UWS Contact:

NHS Forth Valley Contact: Sheila Kellett, SCN Theatre Dept

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at .

Equality and Diversity

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among its workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.