Publish date: 3 September 2025
Daniel, Abraham and Pete have successfully completed a pioneering Operating Department Practice (ODP) Degree Apprenticeship and secured permanent roles within the trust.
Over the past three years, the graduates have gained hands-on experience across a range of placements including Theatres, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Maternity, Critical Care Outreach, in-patient mental health and the Mobile Endotracheal Intubation Team.
The graduates collectively shared: “The apprenticeship has allowed us to transition into practice with confidence in our knowledge and skills, while working in a team and work environment that we know well.
“We have waited a long time for this opportunity, which made studying around our family commitments possible. It has been hard work, but we are proud of our achievements and happy to finally be registered ODPs.”
ODP apprentices gain practical experience preparing routine and emergency equipment to monitor and support anaesthetised patients during surgery. They learn to scrub in and maintain a sterile field, manage surgical instruments and perform the circulating role, which includes handling paperwork, collecting blood and assisting with surgical counts. They also support patients through pain relief and the postoperative phase to ensure safe recovery.
Supported by a multidisciplinary team, from ODPs, nurses and anaesthetists, to paramedics, the graduates will continue in 50/50 roles across scrub, anaesthetic and recovery disciplines, with ongoing support to maintain and develop a full range of skills.
Bethanie William, Practice Development Lead for Theatres (ODP), said: “We’re incredibly proud of Dan, Abs and Pete, who have demonstrated outstanding resilience and dedication throughout their training.
“As valued members of the team, they consistently show exemplary clinical practice and work autonomously as evidence based practitioners. Their success reflects the high standards of perioperative care within our trust.
“We were among the first in region to launch this degree apprenticeship, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see such positive outcomes. All made possible by a true team effort across our placements and theatres to create a supportive learning environment.”
After completing the apprenticeship, the next steps include undertaking preceptorship and pursuing further study opportunities such as enhanced practice of surgical first assistant roles. The graduates are also mentoring the second cohort of ODP apprentices.
To find out more about the next intake of ODP apprentices, please email the Apprenticeship Team at iownt.
