Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Apprenticeship 14700 - 20000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support patients in their recovery while studying for your Occupational Therapy degree.
  • Company: Join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, a leader in community health services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy professional training, NHS pension, and access to onsite facilities.
  • Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable qualifications.
  • Qualifications: Passion for Occupational Therapy and meet academic requirements.

The predicted salary is between 14700 - 20000 £ per year.

The three current Occupational Therapy posts are based in Urgent Community Response services in Hastings, Rother, and Eastbourne, and within the Acute Stroke Team at Eastbourne District General Hospital. The post holder will be employed as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or rehabilitation support worker (RSW) for the apprenticeship period with East Sussex Health Care Trust (ESHT) and will undertake study at the University of Brighton (UoB). A successful application also requires acceptance onto the U of B OT apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities

  • You will work towards successful completion of a degree in occupational therapy and recognition by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist.
  • You will develop and maintain knowledge, skills, and competencies related to the role of occupational therapist within ESHT and through completion of the occupational therapy training programme at UoB, which includes working in acute, intermediate care, or community care settings, delivering direct person‑centred care.

Qualifications

  • You must meet the academic requirements outlined in the job description, have a good understanding of Occupational Therapy, and be able to demonstrate why it is the career you wish to pursue.

Benefits

  • Staff development and professional training opportunities
  • Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme and auto‑enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service
  • Access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants, and accommodation
  • Free psychological support through the Employee Assistance Programme
  • On‑site parking available from only £50 a year

This advert closes on Tuesday 21 Apr 2026.

Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust employer: ESHT

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff through comprehensive training and development opportunities. With a supportive work culture, employees benefit from access to onsite nurseries, affordable parking, and free psychological support, all while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community setting across Hastings, Rother, and Eastbourne.
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Contact Detail:

ESHT Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Occupational Therapy apprentices and professionals in the field. They can provide insider tips and might even know about unadvertised opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to occupational therapy. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for occupational therapy during interviews. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to helping others and your understanding of the role. This will make you stand out!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.

We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Knowledge of Occupational Therapy
Person-Centred Care
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Empathy
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements
Ability to work in acute, intermediate care, or community care settings

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Occupational Therapy: Make sure to express why you’re keen on pursuing a career in occupational therapy. We want to see your enthusiasm and understanding of the field, so share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your commitment.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We recommend customising your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. This shows us you’ve done your homework!

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: When detailing your qualifications, focus on any previous roles or volunteer work that relate to healthcare or support services. We love to see how your background can contribute to our team and the communities we serve.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESHT

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy. Understand the key principles and practices, especially those relevant to community response services and acute care. This will show your passion for the field and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Think about any relevant experiences you've had, whether through volunteering, work placements, or personal projects. Be ready to discuss how these experiences have shaped your understanding of the role and your desire to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training programme at the University of Brighton or the specific responsibilities within the Urgent Community Response services. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.

✨Be Yourself

While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are as a person, so be authentic and share your motivations for wanting to become an occupational therapist.

Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
ESHT

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