Apprentice Occupational Therapist, Band 5 (Annex 21)
The closing date is 24 June 2026
The Therapy Service is excited to advertise an Occupational Therapy (OT) degree apprenticeship post as a fantastic development opportunity for an enthusiastic individual. Occupational Therapists range of skills and expertise make them an asset to any setting, providing the tools for people to live a fulfilling life with a focus on independence and reaching potential. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ as you progress throughout the three-year course. A higher/degree apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Level 6) will enable you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which is required to practice as a registered Occupational Therapist.
We are looking for an individual who is motivated, enthusiastic and flexible in all areas of care and their approach to work. An OT apprentice will be able to apply their skills and knowledge to the workplace as they progress through their training. The ability to balance work‑based learning and off‑the‑job time will be essential. You will also need to be compassionate, have excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and be able to work as part of a team. The successful applicant will join our experienced integrated therapy team, working alongside occupational therapists, physiotherapists, therapy support workers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
To develop and use clinical reasoning skills and techniques to deliver therapeutic interventions, using the principles of Occupational Therapy in an integrated and client‑centred way supported by competency frameworks.
To work within the Therapy team learning how to provide an effective and evidence‑based service through assessing, planning and implementing treatment programmes.
About us
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is crucial to ensuring fairness, celebrating differences and creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
To deliver the highest standard of care at Gloucestershire Hospitals, we foster an environment that promotes inclusivity, ensuring that both our staff can thrive and our patients receive services tailored to their needs.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
- GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English).
- Awareness of the Occupational Therapy role / evidence of career research
- Demonstrate commitment to successful completion of Apprenticeship level 6 program and final clinical competency assessment – attending all academic sessions and self‑study outside of working hours
- Reliable, Punctual, Conscientious with an attention to detail and a positive attitude to learning
- Experience of working in the NHS in the UK
- Demonstrate working effectively as a team member
- Facilitate own learning opportunities and reflect on practice.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, both verbal, non‑verbal and written when interacting with other team members, clients and other professionals.
- Be able to manage own workload under supervision and through direction to ensure this meets the required standards but seek help when required.
- Apply a practical approach to problem solving
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Trustwide (Gloucester Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital)
£25,377 to £29,282 a year (pa, pro rata if part‑time)
Duration
3 years
Working pattern
Full‑time
Reference number
318-26-T0382
Job locations
Trustwide (Gloucester Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital)
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