The University of Sheffield are delighted to be offering a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Orthoptics, commencing September 2026. This will be a 36-month course.
To summarise the main requirements of the apprenticeship: The apprentice will receive 2 days “off the job” training (e.g. online lectures, independent learning) and 3 days “on-the-job” training in an Orthoptic department, receiving exposure to various conditions (as per the learning plan/curriculum) and support, to ensure the development of clinical knowledge and skill set required to meet University and HCPC standards.
Pre-requisites include that apprentices must be employed at least 50% of the time in England if living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, and must be employed a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Further requirements include providing a dedicated department mentor (which we anticipate will be for approximately 2-3 hours/week), 4 weeks of placement outside of own department/year, 1 week University attendance “on-site” at the beginning of the first academic year and a further 1 day attendance each year for end of year assessment. (The employer would need to cover any costs that this may incur)
In order to ensure employers (and employees) are ready to access this exciting opportunity, we would welcome your thoughts and feedback on current employer “readiness” and to help us identify any support that you feel may be needed from BIOS and the University of Sheffield, to undertake this journey and introduce apprentices into your department.