Job Advert
Another exciting opportunity has arisen for existing Healthcare Support Workers or new NHS employees to undertake the innovative Graduate Apprenticeship Bachelor of Science Operating Department Practitioner (GA BSc ODP) programme being delivered over three years, by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). The Graduate Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice, cohort 2026 will commence on August 31st and is a blend of practice placements, along with online and taught education.
You are required to have five qualifications, three of which must be at Higher level (or equivalent). For those applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements, applications may be considered on an individual basis from those who possess broad relevant work experience and hold passes in five subjects including two at higher level or equivalent SVQ, HNC or HND where the applicant has demonstrated the development of key skills evidenced through a detailed supporting personal statement.
To meet HCPC (2023) 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 will be funded by the Scottish Funding Council. Students will have to apply to Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) individually and their fees will be paid directly to UWS. 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. Access to SAAS funding calculator: Funding Calculator - Student Information Scotland
Only 3 posts will be available and only within the Forresterhill Health Campus. The GA BSc ODP programme is undertaken online and will be assessed in a range of perioperative settings throughout NHS Grampian, such as general; ear, nose and throat; obstetric surgery, anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care (recovery). It is an opportunity to undertake work based experiential and reflective learning whilst being employed; during the three year programme you will be paid Annex 21, a percentage of a Band 5 salary.
Successful completion of the programme will enable you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and a job offer as a Band 5 ODP within NHS Grampian.
Interviews will be held on the Forresterhill Health Campus on 27th July 2026.
For further information on this exciting opportunity please contact: Shiona McKelvie, Regional Lead for ODP Education (North Region), Email: shiona.mckelvie2@nhs.scot or visit: BSc Operating Department Practitioner Graduate Apprenticeship (uws.ac.uk)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
AI-generated content for the completion of Supporting Statements may lack specificity and fail to address key criteria outlined in the job description. Personalisation is essential to convey individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.
As a disability confident employer we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to all. If you need us to make any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our recruitment team at the earliest opportunity. Email us at gram.recruitment@nhs.scot.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview in person. Alternative arrangements or adjustments will be considered in the event there are circumstances that may prevent candidates attending in person to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to all.
You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for short listing purposes.
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**Please note - If this post operates within Aberdeen City Low Emission Zone, you will be responsible for all costs associated with entering.**
NHS Grampian forms one of the fourteen regional health boards of NHS Scotland and is responsible for providing health and social care services to a population of over 500,000 people living in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and Social Care values.
