Occupational Therapy Apprenticeships

What is an occupational therapy apprenticeship?

Occupational therapy apprenticeships are degree apprenticeships where you'll work towards a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy while gaining real clinical work experience.

You'll study part-time at university while working for an employer in health or social care. Your employer and the government cover your tuition fees, so you won't need student loans. Zero student debt.

Occupational therapy apprenticeships last between three and four years. You'll work a minimum of 30 hours a week and complete 1,000 hours of clinical placement during your role.

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you'll need to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a qualified occupational therapist.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements vary by university, but you'll typically need:

• Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English, maths and a science

• Three A Levels at grades A*-C (or equivalent, like a Level 3 qualification).

While apprenticeships give you hands-on experience, some schemes ask for at least one year in health and social care beforehand. Think volunteering at a care home, disability charity or hospital to see occupational therapy in real time.

Why do a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are great if you want the best of both worlds. You'll work towards a full degree while building years of work experience and earning a salary. By the time you finish, you'll have qualifications, skills and a career already in motion with zero student debt.

What will you do?

There’s so much you’ll get into during your apprenticeship. You’ll spend loads of time in a clinic or even working in the community at centres or drop-ins. Here’s some of the tasks you’ll get up to:

• Assessing how someone's condition affects their daily life. From getting dressed to cooking meals

• Working with patients to set realistic goals they want to achieve

• Recommending equipment that makes life easier, like adapted cutlery, grab rails or mobility aids

• Creating exercises that help manage pain or rebuild strength

• Supporting families and carers so they know how to help, too

• Working alongside doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals

• Checking in on progress and adjusting plans when needed.

You’ll develop a whole bunch of skills too, some you might already have. You’re working with people, so really strong communication skills are a must. You’ll need to be able to listen to patient’s needs and let them know treatment plans clearly. You’ll also need to communicate with your team.

Empathy is also important. You’ll work with people with a wide range of needs and situations, so you’ll need to have patience and understanding.

Hard skills like clinical knowledge, assessment skills, diagnosis and equipment knowledge you’ll pick up during your training.

Here’s what this apprentice said about their time with the NHS as an occupational therapy apprentice:

I have had lots of experience so far on placement which range from 9-12 weeks for each placement within different settings. I have found this very valuable in being able to apply theory to practice. The programme has been great, learning as I work. I have been able to take time to learn and work alongside other students from other care areas. Occupational Therapy Apprentice, NHS

Is occupational therapy in demand?

Yes. According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), parts of the South East and London are actively looking for occupational therapists to fill open positions.

Plus, the UK’s population is aging, so the need for occupational therapists is very much real. Which is great as it means there’s so much opportunity and career longevity.

Where can you do an occupational therapy apprenticeship?

There are loads of employers that offer occupational therapy apprenticeships including the NHS, local authorities and councils, private healthcare providers, charities or even schools.  

All programmes are accredited by the RCOT, which means your qualification meets UK standards and is recognised internationally.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to work for the council as an occupational therapist? Here’s what one student said about their time at Cornwall Council:

I am enjoying learning new skills and the feeling of achievement. I have developed my communication skills to be able to complete face to face assessments. I have developed a greater understanding of equipment/adaptations. I have improved my knowledge of physical/mental health and learning disability conditions. I am developing my skills for recording my clinical rationale when decision making. Occupational Therapy Apprentice, Cornwall Council

How much do you get paid?

As an apprentice, you’ll be paid for the duration of your scheme (that includes study time, too). How much you’re paid depends on your employer and where you’re based (apprentices in London get paid more than those outside the capital). 

Degree apprentices earn an average of £24,800 per year. 

If you’re with the NHS, your salary will be split into bands. Apprentices earn between band 2 and 4 (around £24,000 and £27,000). Once you’re fully qualified, you’ll start on band 5 salaries which are around £31,000 and £37,000 per year.

You’ll also get a bunch of employee benefits like paid holiday and perks like gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes and more (perks depend on the employer). 

There’s loads of opportunities to progress, too. Becoming a clinical manager or consultant will get you between £47,000 and £68,000 per year. 

How to apply

Employers start looking for apprentices in the spring and early summer (April and June) and begin in September. 

If you’ve found an apprenticeship you love, you’ll start by filling in an online application form where you’ll include your CV and cover letter (or a personal statement). Always make sure you tailor them for each role you apply for.

If you’re successful, you’ll get to the interview and assessment stage. These could include situational judgement and personality tests. You’ll also be asked about your knowledge of occupational therapy.

In the interview show all the range of experience you have an relate it to the role you are applying for as this trust values a different approach and thinking outside of the box and your experience will help you to do this. Occupational Therapy Apprentice, NHS

Been invited to an interview already? That’s amazing. We’ve got all the tips you could ever need with our interview toolkit. Inside you’ll find the most common questions, assessment centre prep and loads more.