Sterile Services Apprentice Technician

Job summary

As part of the apprenticeship you will learn decontamination processes on reusable surgical devices in accordance with the policies of the Department to re-assemble package and sterilise on behalf of Theatres/Wards and Departments of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and to comply with the standards that are specified in the Quality Management System.

The training provider will be CSR Scientific Training Ltd - Healthcare Science Assistant, Level 2

As an apprentice, you will be employed and paid by us while pursuing a nationally recognised learning programme with CSR.

You'll spend most of your working time learning the ropes in a hands-on role with the help of your line manager, colleagues and mentors. You'll also spend a fifth of your time focused on the formal training and learning elements.

By the end of the programme, you'll have developed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you'll need to become competent in your chosen field.

*The course is subject to a probationary period where you'll need to meet certain standards of performance, professionalism, and punctuality.*

You must meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria and be able to provide certification of your qualifications and be a UK resident or have the right to remain and work in the UK that has been held for the past 3 years.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship there may be the potential to be offered a Band 3 position within the team.

Main duties of the job

Communication is face to face and via the telephone mainly with staff within the Operating Theatres.

• To ensure all items received for decontamination are treated by using standard universal precautions as laid down in the Operational Manual of the Departments Quality System
• To ensure instrument sets are disassembled correctly in preparation for cleaning paying particular attention to any dangerous sharps which may have been left on the instrumentation from Theatres/Wards and Departments
• To ensure equipment is loaded correctly into automated washer disinfectors and items have been scanned onto the departments instrument tracking system (T-Doc)
• To ensure specific instruments are checked after the washing process for cleanliness and highlight any non-conformities by completing the relevant documentation
• To ensure packed equipment is loaded into the autoclave correctly and instruments scanned into the load using the instrument tracking system.
• To be responsible for approving the load after the cycle is complete by carrying out various quality checks to ensure instruments are adequately sterilized before dispatching out to the user departments.

Initially the hours of the role will be 12 weeks training:

09:00 -- 17:00

From then on it will be either:

06.00 - 14.00 or 14:00 - 22:00 with one Saturday a month

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.