Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprentice

This opportunity is offered as a Fixed Term Apprenticeship Contract for the duration of the 24-month training programme. The duration of the course is 21 months with the edition of the End Point Assessment projected at 3 months (this can be extended for a further 2 months if required). Eligibility will be assessed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules and Birmingham City University's entry requirements. Do you have an interest in supporting people with sight loss to live independently? Does working towards a professional qualification while gaining hands-on experience appeal to you? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprentice to join our team. This apprenticeship provides the chance to gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to work in a specialist, person-centred role supporting individuals with visual impairments, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Birmingham City University (BCU). As an apprentice you will:

• Work alongside experienced rehabilitation professionals
• Gain job-specific skills in mobility, communication and daily living support
• Earn a wage and receive holiday pay
• Study towards the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprenticeship (Level 5)
About the Role: The successful candidate will learn and assist in all aspects of vision rehabilitation practice, including supporting individuals to develop independent living skills, mobility and orientation, communication techniques, and confidence in daily activities. You will work with people of all ages and backgrounds, often in their own homes or community settings. The role requires a compassionate, patient and person-centred approach, with the ability to work sensitively with individuals who may be experiencing significant emotional, physical or practical challenges. You will handle confidential information and may be exposed to sensitive or distressing situations. This post is primarily community-based, with some office-based duties. You may be required to travel across the borough and work from different locations as needed. Training and Study Requirements: Teaching for the apprenticeship will begin in September 2026. Training will be delivered by Birmingham City University, and the successful candidate will be required to complete one day per week of study either onsite or within a training provider environment. There will be a requirement to undertake approximately 6 hours of off-the-job training each week, and you may need to work towards Functional Skills if you do not already hold the required qualifications. The course duration is 21 months plus up to 5 months for End Point of Assessment BCU Onboarding Process Includes:
• Interview by the academic team
• Employer completion of required forms (request for service, nomination form, batch import form)
• Setting up a training contract agreement with the employer
• Invitation for the apprentice to complete the BCU online application
• Application checks and completion of compliance documents
• Enrolment once all checks and documents are in place, Note: Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas.
  
  We are seeking individuals with:
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), or willingness to achieve these during the apprenticeship
• A genuine interest in supporting people with visual impairments
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with empathy and professionalism
• A commitment to learning and developing specialist skills
• Enhanced DBS for working with Adults and children
One of the following are also required:
• Level 3 NVQ or Diploma or equivalent (full award)
• 2 or more A-Levels (DD/48 UCAS tariff points) or BTEC ordinary National Diploma
• Level 2 NVQ or Diploma (full award) plus a written paper (details of content will be provided by the admissions tutor post applications), This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
  
  At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole - particularly your 'Supporting Information' - reflects your own voice.