Occupational therapist
Level 6 · DegreeHealth and science 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome barriers caused by physical, mental health, or learning disabilities to live independently and take part in everyday activities. This Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship leads to HCPC registration and a BSc in Occupational Therapy, with placements across physical and mental health, social care, and community settings. Graduates can specialise in paediatrics, neurological rehab, mental health, or housing adaptation.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Theory of occupation and its role in health and wellbeing
Assessment and activity analysis techniques
Therapeutic approaches for physical and mental health conditions
Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and home modification
Professional reasoning, clinical judgement, and evidence-based practice
HCPC standards, safeguarding, and professional ethics
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assess clients' functional abilities in daily living activities
Design and deliver individual therapeutic programmes
Recommend and fit assistive equipment and home adaptations
Work with clients on return-to-work or independent living goals
Write clinical reports, referrals, and care plans
Collaborate with GPs, physiotherapists, social workers, and carers
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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