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Occupational therapy degree apprenticeships in England

As an apprentice you can study for a degree and have on-the-job training. This means you can earn an income as well as studying, so it is a popular option. 

The first apprenticeships were launched in 2019. They are offered by over 20 universities across England working with hundreds of employers. 

All degree level occupational therapist apprenticeships have RCOT accreditation. This means that they are meeting the education standards we set and as a graduate you hold a qualification recognised in any World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) member country. 

Universities all work collaboratively with partner organisations, usually employers in health and social care settings and also in small and medium sized private employers (SME), to deliver on-the-job training and academic education to apprentices.  This means that you work alongside experiences occupational therapists in practice, as well as undertaking degree level studies.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship programme will enable application to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration to practice using the protected title ‘Occupational Therapist’.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we've caught up with Helen, who shares what doing an apprenticeship involves and her top tips. Read more in her blog. 

Quality monitoring of apprenticeships

As each employer/university relationship is unique, the pathway to delivering the apprenticeships will also be unique and varied. We offer accreditation to education providers using our Learning and development standards for pre-registration education to assess occupational therapy pre-registration programmes and ensure quality in their design and delivery.

 

FAQs about becoming an apprentice

What are the tuition fees to become an apprentice?

The apprenticeship can take between two to four years to complete. There are no tuition fees, and an apprentice will receive a salary. Salaries will vary depending on the employer. An NHS employer could pay the equivalent of a Bands 2–4. Other employing organisations will have differing pay and salary scales.

Will I be expected to attend university?

As an apprentice you will complete an academic component (20%) in addition to the work-based, on the job learning element (80%) of the apprenticeship. You will spend time away from work, studying with other apprentices at the university linked to your course. The academic learning will take place in alignment with the university calendar and you will be granted the usual annual leave of a member of staff in your organisation.

Do I have to move around different settings during my apprenticeship?

Within the duration of the apprenticeship, you will be required to successfully complete a total of 1,000 hours of practice-based learning. This is likely to take place in an area outside your normal working environment, for example in a different clinical or social care setting.

Are there exams? Which award is granted on successful completion of the apprenticeship?

At the very end of the apprenticeship, following the End Point Assessment (EPA), you will graduate with the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons)) or Master of Science (pre-registration) (MSc). You will then become eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practice as an occupational therapist.

I don’t live in England. Are apprenticeships still an option for me?

At present, pre-registration apprenticeships are only available in England. 

Are there other apprenticeships available?

Yes. This page has focussed on degree level apprenticeships which lead to eligibility to register as an occupational therapist. There are also apprenticeships at other levels of practice including assistant practitioner and enhanced practice. You will find some more information here:

RCOT membership is available for apprentices

To gain full benefit from the learning you will undertake during your apprenticeship journey, please consider becoming a member of RCOT. With our Associate Apprenticeship membership you will receive the same membership benefits as associate members (support workers), at the price of student membership. Our membership offer gives you excellent benefits to support you through your journey.