Associate Practitioner Review

I'm an Associate Practitioner who works in a Clinical Microbiology laboratory who is undergoing a degree apprenticeship with the University of East Anglia . My job involves the registration, processing and testing of patient samples for a wide catchment area including hospitals and the community, and 20% of my time is spent off the bench studying.

Several. Workplace training as an Associate Practitioner was technical, but very much task orientated to specific jobs, rather than why I was doing certain things in a specific way. It wasn’t until I began the apprenticeship that the scientific theory behind what I did vocationally really began to make sense. Each module offered insight and gave meaning to the theory behind what I have been practising at work. Additionally, I had to learn (quickly!) how to properly manage my time between studying, working and family life.

It's a fantastic programme, very well organised despite the distance involved and the effort the University staff put in is evident. The modules are interesting, content is well delivered, and there is a real sense of comradery between the apprentice cohort.

Very well. Communication is high level and so far in three years I have had no issues in receiving replies to questions or queries. Each module clearly explains learning outcomes and modules are often paired so that each augment the other (Molecular Biology and Human Physiology both focusing on aetiology and effect of Cystic Fibrosis, for example)

20% of my time at work is spent as 'study time', and I am off rota to watch lectures, work on assignments, shadow Biomedical Scientists, etc. My employer (ESNEFT) continuously go out of their way in order to assist me either directly, as facilitated by my manager, or indirectly through ESNEFT's Talent for Care team, who keep in fairly regular contact. I've not had many issues in the last three years thanks to this, but feel if anything did arise there would be immediate help if I needed it. Really couldn't recommend them/the programme more.

I have an employer mentor, one of the Senior Biomedical Scientists, for any immediate concerns, and there are quarterly tripartite meeting between myself, my employer mentor, and my academic mentor at UEA to discuss progress and concerns. Excellent support throughout.

So far it has helped me progress, and the course includes a module dedicated to finishing the IBMS Registration Portfolio, which is a requirement for me to practice as a Biomedical Scientist. There has been a constant push/expectation for progression from my senior colleagues throughout, and that fits well into the course and my future prospects.

The laboratory is obviously professional, but there is a strong social core throughout. In temrs of professional networking, staff regularly attend national conferences (IBMS congress, Microbe) and training events for CPD (Mycology courses in Bristol, etc), all of which are paid for.

Yes

Overall excellent employer. I think it's fairly rare to find yourself working somewhere and be impressed enough to think 'I've got a job for life', but over the past three years of my apprenticeship the time, dedication and money that the Trust has put into my development and future has earned that many times over.

Do it.