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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team providing top-notch perioperative care to patients.
- Company: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and full-time hours.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while gaining a degree.
- Qualifications: 5 passes in Scottish National Qualifications, including 3 at Higher Level.
The predicted salary is between 34544 - 43039 £ per year.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are delighted to offer an exciting and innovative opportunity to undertake the Graduate Apprenticeship Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Operating Department Practice, which is being delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland.
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are members of the multidisciplinary team providing a high standard of perioperative care to patients. ODPs have an important role in the 3 phases of perioperative care – the anaesthetic phase, surgical phase and the post anaesthetic phase.
The 3‑year programme commencing in September 2026 is a blend of online educational theory and clinical work‑based learning. You will be employed by one of our sector/directorate perioperative environments and will progressively gain experience in a variety of perioperative environments across NHSGGC throughout the programme, 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.
Vacancies Available:
- Clyde Sector – Royal Alexandra Hospital
- South Sector – Gartnavel General Hospital, New Victoria Hospital and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Regional Services Directorate – Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
What you can bring?
It is essential that you are a caring individual who is self‑motivated and possesses excellent communication skills. You must be committed to independent study and personal development and also be proficient in the use of digital technology, information systems and email. You will have experience of working to deadlines and the ability to prioritise.
Entry Qualifications:
5 passes in Scottish National Qualifications, including 3 at Higher Level C or above, or equivalent.
English Language Requirements:
To meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC 2022) requirements for registration, 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 Programme Fees:
You must be eligible for funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This is paid directly to the university, but each student must apply for this individually. Please note if you are not eligible for SAAS funding you may still apply to the programme but will need to self‑fund the academic programme fees.
You must be ready to commence employment with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde no later than the week commencing Monday 7th September 2026. In‑person interviews will take place during the week commencing 1st June 2026 at a location in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in these positions and may close the vacancy early as a result of this; therefore please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
Arrangements for pay and banding for trainees covered by Annex 21, paragraph 2(iii) of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook.
EU Settlement Scheme:
EU, EEA or Swiss nationals are strongly encouraged to join the EU Settlement Scheme prior to 30th June 2021. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to produce proof of your EU Settlement status from 1st July 2021 to demonstrate your Right to Work in the United Kingdom. Existing employees may be asked to provide evidence of their EU Settlement Status from 1st July 2021.
Graduate Apprentice - Operating Department Practitioner employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Apprentice - Operating Department Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde vibe! Research their values and mission. When you show that you understand what they stand for, it’ll make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your caring nature and communication skills, as these are key for an Operating Department Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and keep an eye on any updates. The sooner you apply, the better your chances, especially since spots might fill up quickly.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Whether it’s teamwork or working under pressure, have examples ready to show you’re the perfect fit for the ODP programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Apprentice - Operating Department Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for becoming an Operating Department Practitioner shine through. We want to see why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to the team!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for self-motivated individuals with excellent communication skills, so don’t forget to showcase those!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the programme.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We anticipate a high level of interest, so applying early will give you the best chance. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand what an Operating Department Practitioner does. Familiarise yourself with the three phases of perioperative care: anaesthetic, surgical, and post-anaesthetic. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a caring individual, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Learning
Since this is a graduate apprenticeship, emphasise your commitment to independent study and personal development. Share any relevant experiences where you've taken the initiative to learn something new or improve your skills, particularly in digital technology or information systems.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific scenarios related to perioperative care. Think through potential challenges you might face as an ODP and how you would prioritise tasks under pressure. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more prepared and confident during the interview.