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.
Please note sponsorship is not provided for this role.
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.
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
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
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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.
