Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by Kings College Hospital?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend Kings College Hospital to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Kings College Hospital?
As part of the Apprenticeship, you are required to rotate around different departments (Normally every 4 months) Because of this, in the long term your "Day to Day" roles would not be the same. However, As the apprenticeship revolves primarily around medical equipment, you will be trained on a range of medical devices. Starting off at low risk pieces of equipment and slowly working your way up to those that are more complex and potentially harmful, once you have proven your competence. You do also have clinical placements that will require you to take blood, thus having direct patient contact. To summaries, as each placement is different you find yourself never becoming bored or getting stuck into a routine, which i think is important as you learn a range of new skills due to diversity. The challenging nature of some placements also pushes you which i believe is a must.
I have learnt and developed a range of skills since i start my Apprenticeship. Time keeping is a must and was something that i was not the best at. Once you gain responsibility, people become dependent / reliant on you (over time) once that happens you then realize the importance of you starting work on time. As there are so many skills i have learnt i am going to list below: Communication (verbally and electronically) Problem solving working under pressure Proactive Dexterity with tools Health and safety awareness Empathy for others and comforting Confidence Interpreting medical terminology Database usage Electrical safety importance time management Health term working
I did very much enjoy the program as it is very diverse and the people are very friendly and will do their up most to teach you. Of course at times it was a little stressful, but over all i have no complaints about the program. All members of staff made me feel every welcome and we on occasion go out for social events. The company is very flexible and will do everything it can to support you though times of difficulty. The program has exceeded my expectations and i have gained allot of knowledge and obtained a permanent role within the hospital. That said our program has also been given funding for further education and i am currently studying a HNC in electrical and electronic engineering.
I feel valved by my department because i always receive good feedback and the clinical staff are always happy with my work. I am required to liaise directly with other departments whom i have a good relationship with. They valve my work and i valve them helping me too. We are like a big team, maintaining the equipment to ensure the safe and effective treatment of our patients in a time efficient manner.
The program was wells structured as it catered to everyone. The placements are diverse but also flexible. You cant make a person fit the job you need to make the job fit the person. This idea that kings has is very good and it pushes people but also understands the importance of being flexible as everyone is an individual. Therefor, the placements at times were a little challenging but nothing an individual couldn't handle. You are given advanced notice on all things that are happening during the program and knew at ever stage what was expected of you.
The training provider would come in allot to see how everyone is getting on. You could also contact them at any time if you had a problem. I personally never needed to be in much contact with the training provider as i got allot of support at the hospital itself. However, some of my colleagues at the time did contact them and i heard nothing but good reviews.
The door is always open. Our boss made sure that we got all of our work done and was on track but also become a friend. You felt like you could go to her with any issue that you may have and she would do her best to help you out. Couldn't ask for a better employer.
I personally has enough money to pay some bills and have a social life. The increments of pay that we had was a good idea in my view and i understand why they done it. Over time you gain responsibility and with that greater pay. However, i think the starting wage should have been more.
The boss was and still is to this day sending me information about events and careers fairs that are happening throughout London. This gives me the opportunity to meet young people and tell them about my experience. I went back to my old school and spoke to everyone about what i am doing now and how university is not the only option for people. i was also on ITV news speaking about how Apprenticeships are valuable.
Yes
Good support for everyone for all types of backgrounds You have allot to learn and your career can go in manage directions If you ask questions you will learn job satisfaction Transferable skills Meeting new people and each day being different
At the start it can be a little slow, but with time you gain responsibility and knowledge. You are required to work on equipment that is used on patients. They need to be sure you have the ability to do the job correctly and safely. The hospital would much rather you ask a silly question than make a silly mistake so don't be afraid to ask a question.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Science
Central London & City
March 2015