Last week we met Holly as a part of National Apprenticeships Week 2018 #NAW2018 and she told us all about her role as apprentice and how much she loves it!
Now meet Sobia Qamar, Healthcare Science Assistant in Pathology and Richard Walton, student nurse in Coronary Angiography. Read below to find out what their experience were like as an apprentice and what they’re doing now.
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Sobia’s Q&A:
What made you apply for an apprenticeship?
I applied for the apprenticeship as a medical laboratory assistant as I have always had a passion to work within the NHS. This opportunity covered many aspects that were important to me. Firstly, to work for this Trust I understand how important healthcare is and know that the trust makes a difference to people’s lives. I had wanted to get back into education and further training prior to applying for the job. The apprenticeship offered both opportunities for me and to gain a qualification that I had much interest in.
What was the best thing about being an apprentice?
One of the best things about being an apprentice was learning whilst working. It allowed me to gain knowledge by understanding how the pathology department worked and being able to put this knowledge on paper. I have also enjoyed the fact that I worked with a great team in the department, the support from my tutor and assessor to help me complete my apprenticeship. My job gives me great satisfaction and I am still passionate about my job.
How has your career progressed since you completed your apprenticeship?
Since I completed my apprenticeship, gaining an NVQ Level 3 in Pathology Support, I feel my career has progressed in the way which I have wanted. It had opened up the opportunity of being offered to go to university and am now carrying out a degree in BSc Healthcare Science part time and the university of Bradford. This is an apprenticeship degree which has been provided to me by my department. This allows me to go to university one day a week and to continue in my job. Once I’ve completed my degree I am able to apply to become a biomedical scientist.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the Trust?
If anyone was considering carrying out an apprenticeship within the Trust, I would definitely recommend it. It’s changed my career path for the better and helped me to further in my career. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge, learn and work at the same time. It is rewarding and I feel the knowledge I have gained has made me try always do my job in the best way possible.
Advice for apprentices
Always ask for help when needed, keep up to date with coursework and enjoy the learning experience whist at work.
Be Motivated, driven, inquisitive
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Richard’s Q&A
What made you apply for an apprenticeship?
I applied for the apprenticeship as I wanted to become a nurse. I had never worked in healthcare and had little experience, I thought this would be a good way to get into the NHS and see if I liked the work.
What was the best thing about being an apprentice?
Being an apprentice I had the opportunity to visit other departments and see the work they do and how they care for the patients. It was a valuable experience and game me plenty of anecdotes to use when I have applied for other jobs in the hospital.
How has your career progressed since you completed your apprenticeship?
When I finished my apprenticeship I was lucky enough to keep the post I had on the cardiology ward (6B/C) at CRH, where I worked as a HCA. I then noticed a poster asking if any HCAs would be interested in doing a secondment on Angiography. I called the number and said I would love to see more of cardiology. I was offered the secondment and later on this was made permanent move. While working on Angiography I applied to do my nurse training through the Open University, this was a long process and I kept thinking I was going to be rejected. I was however accepted onto the course and I started in September 17.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the Trust?
Just apply. Working in the NHS can open so many doors for your career.
Three words of advice for apprentices.
Don't get behind.