Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new role with in the Operating Department. We are looking to recruit Apprentice Operating Department Practitioners (AODP) to join our Theatre teams, working across both sites.

You will undertake a 3 year Fixed Term contract to attend university to gain an Apprenticeship degree in Operating Department Practice over a 3 year Academic course and gain the necessary requirements to join the Health and Care Professionals Council register.

The Education provider will be Canterbury Christ Church University. Attendance and completion of the course is mandatory and failure to do so will result in termination of contract.

The position will require working at both sites and across a full range of services in order to complete the academic requirements, including weekends and night duties.

Main duties of the job

As an active member of the multidisciplinary team, the Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner will help to provide a seamless service to patients under the direct supervision of registered theatre practitioners. The Apprentice Operating Department Practitioners will gain the knowledge and skills to assist in patient care during surgery, anaesthetics and post-operative care.

We would like you to possess excellent communication skills and be self-motivated, willing to embrace change and practice development within an ever changing environment.

The salary will be paid under the arrangements for Annex 21. Pay will be determined as a percentage of the pay for qualified staff depending on the length of the training period. In this instance it is 3 years. This means that on starting the apprenticeship of more than three years from completion of training: 65 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate. This will increase by 5% for each progressive completed year

For further information regarding Annex 21 please visit

https://www.nhsemployers.org/tchandbook/annex-21-to-25/annex-21-arrangements-for-pay-and-banding-of-trainees

Working for our organisation

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below