Wheelchair and Special Seating AHP Apprentice (OT/Physio pathway)

Wheelchair and Special Seating Apprentice North East London NHS Foundation Trust

We are excited to offer a permanent full-time opportunity based at Mayflower Community Hospital for a Wheelchair and Special Seating Apprentice. This role is developmental and involves a commitment to a four-year BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy or BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy apprenticeship programme. Upon successful completion, you will gain eligibility for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and a Band 5 post.

About North East London NHS Foundation Trust

At North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), we are proud to serve our community through inclusive and compassionate care. We value diversity, equity, and innovation, and are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where our staff can thrive. Our services make a real impact on people’s lives, and we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that celebrates collaboration, learning, and professional growth.

The Role

This developmental role is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work within the wheelchair and special seating service. Through a combination of academic learning and hands-on experience, you will contribute directly to improving mobility and quality of life for service users. Working under the supervision of registered occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation engineers, you will develop technical expertise while completing 1,000 hours of clinical practice in various health and social care settings. A dedicated mentor will support you throughout your apprenticeship.

• Assist clinicians during wheelchair assessments, postural evaluations, and functional mobility reviews.
• Support the set-up and adjustment of manual and powered wheelchairs, specialist seating systems, and pressure-relieving cushions.
• Carry out delegated tasks such as basic measurements, trial fitting of equipment, and monitoring comfort and positioning under supervision.
  
  

Essential Skills And Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to assist clinicians with wheelchair and postural assessments.
• Basic technical understanding of manual and powered wheelchairs, seating systems, and related equipment.
• Willingness to learn and take on practical tasks with supervision, including measurements and equipment adjustments.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a meaningful apprenticeship programme that leads to HCPC registration and a Band 5 role upon successful completion.
• Engage in a blended learning approach with hands-on experience and academic study.
• Work within a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to professional development and service excellence.
  
  

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement Fringe (Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood, Harlow and Dartford only)

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £1,303 to a maximum of £2,198 p.a. pro rata for part time)

Working for Us

Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.

The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.