Rating

9/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As a rota coordinator for Critical Care, my main role is to manage the day to day rota for the junior doctors on Critical Care. This includes ensuring there is sufficient cover on the unit and planning for annual leave and study leave. In addition, I also work alongside the Matrons and Consultants planning in an operational capacity, ensuring that SOPS and policies are written, disseminated and adhered to. I undertake audits for the department reviewing admissions and discharges to and from the unit.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Since I started the degree, my business terminology has significantly improved. I am now able to follow everything that is being said in the meetings. I have also been able to enhance my IT skills enabling me to produce better reports, documents and audits for the department. These changes have been important for both myself, the department and the Trust. There has been a significant change in my abilities to complete more operational tasks within the department.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The programme is rather interesting. I am currently undertaken a BA (Hons) in Business Management with Business Practice, working towards a Chartered Management Status. The apprenticeship has opened up pathways that were not necessarily open to me before I started the course. The modules force you to exit your comfort zone and do things you may not always feel comfortable with. Although daunting at first, I feel this has also helped boost my confidence alongside my knowledge.

    10/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • For the first part of the first year, it wasn't very organised however following the appointment of a new course director things have improved in relation to the organisation. With regards to the structure, the modules you take all feed into one another. Although not necessarily obvious at first, the knowledge and skills you develop from one module, often help and are strengthened in the following modules. Communication could be a little bit better but that's a bug bear I have for most parts, not just the course and doesn't impact the overall course

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • 1.5 years through my course, I am still waiting on a mentor. However, my immediate line manager provides fantastic support and is often a cheer leader when I think things could be going better. I do not have any concerns and I am supported to undertake the related tasks or courses for my course as necessary. Even enabling me to attend an event at the House of commons as it was an event that celebrated those on the apprenticeship!

    7/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • This varies per lecturer and module. Most of the lecturer's have been fantastic and supported you as necessary. Some however are less likely to help unless they are helping the whole group. Some module leaders are willing to provide additional support and even contact you out of hours to discuss the concerns or issues that may have arisen. However, the course director has been fantastic listening to concerns and has offered and supported us as necessary.

    9/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • For me, the qualification helps me work towards my long-term objectives and less towards performing better in my current role. For me, the long-term objective is a promotion to a position with more responsibility and better pay. That being said, it has helped me identify better ways of working within the department that have been able to improve both cost and quality. With another year or so to go, I would envisage that these skills can be honed further.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • There are not many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. The most popular one is the Trust Choir which is on audition only and when there are vacancies. Within the department, there are a number of ad-hoc extra curricular activities, often arranged between the staff within the departments. The most recent being tennis with talks of a picnic in the coming months. Social events vary depending on the time of year but people are often up to attending if something is arranged.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Prior to coming to Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, I was not aware of a trust that offered development opportunities through apprenticeships for in-house staff. Lewisham and Greenwich' portfolio of training opportunities has expanded since I signed up to the Chartered Management Apprenticeship with different courses available for different roles and specialties. If you are willing to put the time and effort in, you will most definitely get something back in return for your hard work - even a course and qualification.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust?
  • Always make sure you do your homework on the department; looking out for any special audits or treatment plans that may come up in interview. When applying, relate your application to the person specification: specify how x applies to y in your application so that the perspective employer can see how you would fit in with the department. Always have a thorough understanding of the job, what it can do for you and what you can bring to the table


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Business Operations

London

July 2020


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