Job Description

Are you looking to qualify as an Occupational Therapist? Do you have the focus, motivation, & dedication to study while gaining invaluable experience working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant? An exciting new opportunity has arisen for you to gain a BSc in Occupational Therapy on the Apprenticeship pathway. The successful candidate must be available to start August 2025.



A 4 year fixed-term apprenticeship post where the post holder will study towards the Level 6 Occupational Therapist (integrated degree) standard with a commissioned Higher Education Institution whilst working in an Occupational Therapy Assistant role. Initially a fixed term contract that covers the length of your Apprenticeship. You will be supported to apply for the BSc Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship & mentored throughout your course by a therapist within the department. 80% of your normal working hours will be working alongside therapy colleagues & the Multi-Disciplinary Team on the wards and 20% will be spent training. You will also have clinical placements at other Health and Social Care providers, & work within an identified team on a day-to-day basis. As an OT Apprentice, you will work alongside, & under the supervision of the Occupational Therapists in providing individual & structured intervention for inpatients on our Older Person's Unit, Medical, A&E, stroke, orthopaedic/Surgical ward or oncology wards.



Please also read the attached Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship 2025 Information.



The post holder will participate in theoretical day-release & practical on-the-job training, undertaking duties in all aspects of the occupational therapy service in order to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Occupational Therapy. On successful completion of the approved programme, apprentices are eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a qualified Occupational Therapist and apply for Professional Membership of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists.



Do you want to make a difference to patients' lives? Do you have a caring compassionate nature? Are you hard working, flexible and highly motivated?



Successful applicants will be paid on the Annex 21 apprentice pay scale of a Band 5. Annex 21 is a part of the Agenda for Change national pay scheme.

The pay would progress as follows:

More than three years from completion of professional training & competencies: 60 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate. More than two but less than three years prior to completion of professional training & competencies: 65 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate; More than one but less than two years prior to completion of professional training & competencies: 70 per cent of the pay band maximum of the qualified rate Up to 12 months prior to completion of all professional training & competencies: 75 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate.

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.



We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.



The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.



Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than 45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.



Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.



A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo



To attend university, to complete and pass academic modules and clinical placements as required by the degree programme, whilst working as part of the Occupational Therapy team in delivering a high quality and effective therapy service to patients. With guidance from the Occupational Therapists, support a caseload of patients within a specific team and assist the therapist in patient related service provision, working within a multi-professional team, and completing associated administrative activities.



To work as an autonomous practitioner, either within a team or on an individual basis. Through assessment, intervention, critical reflection and the application of analytical skills, you demonstrate how you collaboratively reach solutions through occupations to the issues people face. You will be responsible and accountable for your decisions, and for reflecting on the effectiveness of your actions, with the aim of continually improving the service you provide. You will demonstrate leadership and management qualities and are responsible for ensuring your own knowledge and skills are current. You are required within the professional and regulatory standards to contribute to the development of the profession by supporting student therapists.



The Occupational Therapy apprenticeship programme combines and integrates work-based learning and academic learning, through collaboration with our HEI's and RSFT. As per apprenticeship guidelines, you can expect to spend 80% of your time on the job and 20% of your time learning off the job and will be mentored by a qualified Occupational Therapist.



The funding for the training element of this post comes from the Apprenticeship levy and training will be provided by a recognised Higher Education Institution.



Please note apprenticeship rules and eligibility criteria will apply to this post.