Occupational Therapy Apprentice | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
| Posting date: | 26 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £24,937 - £26,598 per annum, pro rata |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 February 2026 |
| Location: | Eastbourne, St Leonards, BN21 2UD |
| Company: | ESHT |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7713180/374-KN276 |
Summary
The three current Occupational Therapy posts being advertised are based in Urgent Community response services in Hastings, Rother, and Eastbourne and within the Acute Stroke Team in Eastbourne District General Hospital.
The post holder will be employed in an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or rehabilitation support worker (RSW) role for the period of the apprenticeship with East Sussex Health Care trust (ESHT) and will undertake study at University of Brighton (UoB). Being successful in this application does not guarantee you a place on the University of Brighton course. A successful application to the U of B OT apprenticeship will also be required for the commencement on the apprenticeship programme.
To apply for this post you need to meet the academic requirements within the job description, have a good understanding of Occupational Therapy and be able to demonstrate why this is the career you wish to pursue.
You will work towards successful completion of a degree in occupational therapy and recognition by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist. You will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of occupational therapist within ESHT and through completion of the occupational therapy training programme at the UoB. This will include working in acute, intermediate care or community care settings, delivering direct person-centred care.
The apprentice occupational therapy programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. As an apprentice occupational therapist you will be part of a friendly, supportive, professional team, and will be fully supported to develop your professional skills. You will be based, as an employee, within East Sussex Healthcare Trust working in acute, intermediate care or community settings in order that you gain a wide appreciation of many health and social care contexts to enable you to fulfil all the requirements of the Apprentice occupational therapy programme.
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at EDGH and Conquest, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Please refer to the job description attached. Please note that all candidates selected for interview will be requested to bring evidence of academic qualifications to interview and to complete a short presentation.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
This advert closes on Monday 9 Feb 2026
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