Job overview
An exciting opportunity is available to train as an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner within Theatres. This innovative 3‑year route develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed across perioperative care. The programme combines work‑based and academic learning at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital Telford, and Staffordshire University, leading to the BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship.
Applications are welcomed from Nursing Associates, Assistant Practitioners, Health T Level and Health & Social Care students, HCAs and other healthcare professionals. Theatre experience is preferred, and evidence of recent study and ability to work at degree level is essential.
The course begins 21 September 2026, subject to employment checks, with the role based across both hospital sites.
You must meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply -
- Can be any age post full-time education (18+)
- Cannot already be on an Apprenticeship or any Government funded training
- Cannot have a qualification at the same or higher level in the same vocational area. There needs to be significant new learning.
- Has been a UK resident for 3 or more years.
Or
Meets the eligible and valid residency status and permission to work in the UK criteria in Annex A of the linked funding document:
Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026
Main duties of the job
Apprentice ODP's will work with each other to maintain patient safety and provide high standards of skilled care and help during each stage of the patient's journey through the operating theatre in anaesthetics, surgery & post-anaesthetic care.
The ODP Apprentice role will involve working at The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
As part of the course you will be required to:-
- Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered ODP / Nurse.
- Successfully complete all educational elements of the programme as specified by SaTH, University of Staffordshire and Institute of Apprenticeship standards.
- Work as part of the designated operating department team, delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the patient.
- Work with a Practice Educator / supervisor, developing your own competence while on placements and attending academic study; maintaining evidence of your learning.
- Demonstrate a flexible and dynamic attitude, both to your paid work and academic studies.
- Adherence to SaTH policies, procedures, values and behaviours.
- Use the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency and standards of conduct, performance and ethics to help your learning.
Working for our organisation
The Princess Royal Hospital comprises of 11 Operating Theatres covering a range of general, major & day case surgery including 24/7 obstetric service, general surgery, gynaecology, robotic surgery, ENT, maxillofacial surgery, elective and orthopaedic trauma , breast surgery, paediatrics and emergency CEPOD Theatre provision 24/7. There are 3 theatre areas, Elective Hub, Main Theatres and Maternity.
Our Poppy’s Promise Commitment
We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team — clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.
We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.
Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.
By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.
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