Level 3 Apprenticeship In Theatre Support

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The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for learners working within perioperative and theatre environments who support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care. The programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to perform the circulating role within the operating theatre while contributing to patient safety, infection prevention and the smooth delivery of surgical procedures.  

Learners apply their learning directly within the workplace, developing competence in supporting the patient journey before, during and after surgery whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary theatre team.

The apprenticeship includes a range of core learning units that build the foundations required of a Senior Healthcare Support Worker. Learners join remote masterclasses and complete workplace-based learning activities that support both personal and professional development.

Topics include:  

• Duty of Care and Duty of Candour 
• Safeguarding and British Values 
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Mental Health and Wellbeing 
• Leadership and Accountability 
• Clinical Governance 
• Human Factors 
• Service Improvement 
• Study Skills and Reflective Practice 
• Evidence-Based Care  

The Theatre Support pathway develops specialist knowledge and skills relating to the circulating role, including patient preparation, infection prevention, maintenance of sterile fields, safe use of medical devices, patient positioning and communication within theatre services.

Upon successful completion, learners may progress into a range of senior and specialist healthcare roles including:  

• Senior Theatre Support Worker 
• Theatre Support Scrubbed Role Pathway 
• Theatre Support Recovery Role Pathway 
• Assistant Theatre Practitioner (ATP) 
• Nursing Associate Apprenticeship 
• Adult Nursing Apprenticeship 
• Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Apprenticeship 
• University Healthcare Programmes  

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for those wishing to develop a long-term career within perioperative services and the wider healthcare sector.

Theatre Support Workers play a critical role in ensuring surgical procedures are delivered safely, efficiently and effectively. They support patients throughout the perioperative journey, contribute to infection prevention and control measures, maintain equipment and supplies, and work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver excellent patient outcomes.  

As demand for surgical services continues to grow, healthcare providers require a skilled workforce capable of maintaining high standards of patient safety, dignity and care. Theatre Support Workers provide essential support that enables theatres to operate effectively while ensuring patients receive safe and compassionate care throughout their treatment journey.  

A Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship helps develop a competent and confident workforce equipped with the knowledge, behaviours and practical skills required within modern perioperative services. Investment in apprenticeship training supports workforce development, improves patient experience and strengthens the future sustainability of healthcare services.

Learners should be employed within a theatre, perioperative or related healthcare support environment where they can demonstrate the competencies required by the apprenticeship standard.  

No formal qualifications are required; however, learners will benefit from having a good standard of written English and the ability to complete portfolio work and reflective activities. Functional Skills in English and maths are available where required.

The programme combines remote learning, coaching sessions, workplace competency development and portfolio building through the OneFile e-portfolio system. Learners attend scheduled training sessions while applying their learning within their day-to-day role.  

Learners build evidence throughout the apprenticeship through workplace observations, reflective accounts, professional discussions, case studies and competency assessments. Regular reviews and coaching sessions help support progress and prepare learners for End-Point Assessment.  

Although employers may provide dedicated study time, learners should expect to undertake some independent study and portfolio work outside scheduled sessions.

• Supporting theatre preparation before surgical procedures 
• Assisting with patient transfers and positioning 
• Maintaining infection prevention and control standards 
• Preparing and checking equipment and medical devices 
• Supporting the circulating role during procedures 
• Assisting in maintaining sterile environments 
• Recording patient observations and fluid balance 
• Communicating with patients and multidisciplinary teams 
• Supporting patient safety and wellbeing throughout the perioperative journey

Our delivery team combines healthcare education expertise with real-world clinical experience, ensuring that learning remains practical, relevant and directly linked to modern healthcare practice. 

The programme has been designed specifically around the needs of theatre support services, helping learners develop confidence, competence and professional behaviours that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Through regular coaching, specialist teaching and workplace assessment, apprentices receive support throughout their learning journey.