Job summary
Are you an aspiring nurse who would like to make a difference to the lives of people we support?
Would you like to be paid to become a qualified Learning Disability Nurse?
Join our Nursing Apprenticeship Programme and establish a new career in healthcare
An exciting training opportunity to join the team in one of our services across Devon
The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the assessment and treatment of adults with a learning disability on the unit.
In partnership with the Open University, we are offering suitable candidates the training and support they need to start working as a Nursing Apprentice. You'll join us as a Nursing Apprentice and undertake a programme of 4 years to achieve your Learning Disability Nursing Degree.
You will need to be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time as you work towards becoming a qualified Nurse.
**Please ensure you are able to evidence within your application specific examples of how you meet the essential criteria required as detailed on the Job Description & Person Spec prior to submitting your application.
Main duties of the job
Please see the Job description and Person Spec for the main duties of the role you will be working towards during your training
Important Application/Interview key dates
Closing date 19th September 2025
If shortlisted, Mandatory attendance at virtual briefing session to via MS Teams delivered by the Open University and Apprenticeship Team. Scheduled 3for 30th September am or the 1st October pm
Interviews will be held via MS teams between 27th October - 31st October
Completion of the Trust/ OU's recruitment process
The academic programme is due to commence the February 2025 however, we would expect staff to be in post before this date
Eligibility Criteria for the Apprenticeship you must have (and be able to provide evidence of)
- Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills
- Evidence of recent study to level 3 alongside relevant experience. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis
- Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
Our values
We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information on the role.
The job description attached to this advert is for a Band 5 Registered Nurse, which is the qualification you will be working towards. You will be asked sign a Trust Learning Agreement when you commence the Programme which will amend the job description to become an Apprentice.
- For non-UK based qualifications a ENIC statement of
comparability may be required to confirm equivalency to UK qualifications.
Where English is studied as a second language, this is not considered
comparable to an English Level 2 qualification studied in the UK. Therefore,
where this is the case we would require an alternative qualification, such as
an IELTS 6.0 or Functional Skills Level 2 English.
- During your application process, if you do have any
qualifications that you are not sure if they meet the entry requirements,
please do feel free to contact us for guidance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information on the role.
The job description attached to this advert is for a Band 5 Registered Nurse, which is the qualification you will be working towards. You will be asked sign a Trust Learning Agreement when you commence the Programme which will amend the job description to become an Apprentice.
- For non-UK based qualifications a ENIC statement of
comparability may be required to confirm equivalency to UK qualifications.
Where English is studied as a second language, this is not considered
comparable to an English Level 2 qualification studied in the UK. Therefore,
where this is the case we would require an alternative qualification, such as
an IELTS 6.0 or Functional Skills Level 2 English.
- During your application process, if you do have any
qualifications that you are not sure if they meet the entry requirements,
please do feel free to contact us for guidance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills.
- Evidence of recent study to level 3. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis.
- Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.
- A willingness to complete Trust Mandatory Courses (will be required to complete and undertake relevant Physical Interventions training with adjustments considered if required).
Analytical and Judgment Skills
Essential
- Describe, with specific examples how you can demonstrate your ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.
Physical Skills
Essential
- To be able to attend Mandatory Training for either 5 day or 3 day
- restraint (as determined by manager/service), Breakaway, Manual
- Handling etc.
- To be able to work on the internal ward shift rotation which includes
- night duties.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Describe how you anticipate balancing the demands of a role in the workplace alongside a student role.
- Intermediate IT skills.
Other
Essential
- To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality
- guidance/policy.
- Work as an effective role model.
- Willingness to develop self.
- Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the role.
Experience
Essential
- Describe, using specific examples
- Why you would like to qualify as a Learning Disability Nurse.
- Your commitment, knowledge, and/or experience, or transferable skills in working with vulnerable client groups.
- Your experience of coping in stressful and demanding situations.
- Your experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Describe, with examples, how your values align with Devon Partnership NHS Trusts
Desirable
- Describe your experience of:
- Working with people whose behaviour can be challenging.
- Working clients/patients with complex mental health, Learning Disability or Autism support needs
- Working in a Mental Health or Learning Disability setting (statutory or voluntary).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English to GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent in English and Maths, or level 2 Functional Skills.
- Evidence of recent study to level 3. Applicants with previous study at level 4 or higher will be considered on an individual basis.
- Due to the current eligibility criteria for Government funded apprenticeship schemes, we are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years, and who are not already in any form of Government funded education.
- A willingness to complete Trust Mandatory Courses (will be required to complete and undertake relevant Physical Interventions training with adjustments considered if required).
Analytical and Judgment Skills
Essential
- Describe, with specific examples how you can demonstrate your ability to assess situations, make decisions, co-ordinate and organise appropriate responses.
Physical Skills
Essential
- To be able to attend Mandatory Training for either 5 day or 3 day
- restraint (as determined by manager/service), Breakaway, Manual
- Handling etc.
- To be able to work on the internal ward shift rotation which includes
- night duties.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Describe how you anticipate balancing the demands of a role in the workplace alongside a student role.
- Intermediate IT skills.
Other
Essential
- To work to the Trust Data Protection and Confidentiality
- guidance/policy.
- Work as an effective role model.
- Willingness to develop self.
- Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the role.
Experience
Essential
- Describe, using specific examples
- Why you would like to qualify as a Learning Disability Nurse.
- Your commitment, knowledge, and/or experience, or transferable skills in working with vulnerable client groups.
- Your experience of coping in stressful and demanding situations.
- Your experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Describe, with examples, how your values align with Devon Partnership NHS Trusts
Desirable
- Describe your experience of:
- Working with people whose behaviour can be challenging.
- Working clients/patients with complex mental health, Learning Disability or Autism support needs
- Working in a Mental Health or Learning Disability setting (statutory or voluntary).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
