YOUNG people now have the opportunity to take up apprenticeship roles in the operating theatre.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the first trusts in the country to employ apprentice operating department practitioners (ODPs) as part of the new scheme.

Ten ODPs will work in the operating theatres at the Bradford Royal Infirmary, while they study for a degree level qualification via Bolton University, with the offer of a permanent post within the trust in three years.

There is currently a national shortage of ODPs across the country and it was only last year that the Institute for Apprenticeships approved the degree standard for ODPs, meaning NHS trusts could recruit to this new apprentice role.

Theatres Matron Wendy Hartley said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both the apprentices and the Trust. They’ve only been with us a few weeks but right from the start they’ve been part of the Theatres team, not on the sidelines but involved with delivering excellent patient care right where it’s happening.

“We’ve struggled to recruit ODPs in the past, which is a national problem, so apprenticeships are a great way for us to grow our own workforce.

“I’m also very proud that some of the apprentices are our own former healthcare assistants who want to develop their careers. This is real on-the-job training for them; it also strengthens our operating teams and develops a highly skilled workforce for the future.”

Adele Carey had been a healthcare assistant in the BRI’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) department for three years when she saw the apprenticeships advertised and decided to apply.

“I’ve wanted to be an ODP for a while,” said Adele, “and I’ve been in theatres before but had never taken notice of everything around me, so this is very different."

The apprentices will work across three main areas within the operating theatre: anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. They will be responsible for preparing the environment and all of the necessary instruments and equipment in readiness for an anaesthetic, surgery or recovery of patients.