Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprentice - Ref: SS02326
Walsall Council Real Living Wage: £25,948.89
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)
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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
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Entry Requirements:
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
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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)
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Further Information:
For more information, please contact Stacey Dixon, Team manager by email: [email protected]
Please note that successful candidates must be eligible to complete the Level 5 Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Apprenticeship.
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.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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.
View Job Description and Employee Specification
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
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.
Closing Date: 21st July 2026.
Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits . Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.
We advertise vacancies because we want the best talent available. If that's you, we're waiting for your application.
Living in Walsall
Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston and Brownhills), together with numerous villages.
Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment.
To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.
Social Work Matters - Children's Social Worker Recruitment
Some of our children require a special kind of support: yours. Visit our microsite to find out more about joining Walsall Council as a Children's Social Worker.
