Rating

7.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Assist and observe with the quality assurance of X-ray equipment across multiple sites in Bristol. Working with other technologists, trainees (Practioner training program and Scientist training program) and clinical scientists, and as part of a wider, multi-disciplinary team. Issuing, distributing, receiving and returning radiation dosemeter badges across multiple Bristol hospitals and community settings. This job also involves a lot of problem solving and detective skills! i also communicate daily with colleagues and other staff members and take responsibilities with health and safety checks within the department such as fire safety and flushing taps. I also partake in my UWE study alongside the full time working.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Yes. I previously worked in a healthcare setting clinically, and this is a non-clinical role within the NHS. This was quite difficult to adapt at first but i have now developed the skills it takes. I have not yet gained any qualifications, but at the end of my 3 year program i will hold a Bachelors degree in healthcare science. I have participated in lots of CPD to further my knowledge in my new area of work.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I am really enjoying my program so far. I have just completed year one of the program and found the variety in the modules quite broad, but very interesting. I enjoy learning on the job whilst gaining a qualification at the end of it. I am hoping the next 2 years of my program will be more specific to my job role. Unfortunately, due to the type of job i work in, there are not many students in my cohort which is a shame.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I would say the program is well structured, however the organisation isn't perfect. Online learning can be quite difficult, but i find the lecturers good at telling you what will be taught most weeks. some lecturers however, are better than others and are more organised than others. The communication between the university and students isn't the best and could be better. It would also be ideal if during the summer break, we were able to prepare for the next years learning.

    5/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • My employer is very good at allowing the time needed to study. In the contract its states that i am allowed 20% per work week for study, and the rest is work time. They are good at sticking to this and also allowing for extra study time during exam periods. They are also very approachable so if there is an issue, i am able to talk to them about it. I have not had much communication with the apprenticeship team at my trust, but they also seem like they would be helpful, should you need some support.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • My university course leaders are quite supportive and will always try and answer questions i may have, usually via email. They are approachable and easily contactable. They can be very helpful when struggling when some of the course content.The only lacking support i feel is missing from the training provider is the initiated communication between course leaders and students. I always find i am the instigator of conversation, and there has never been a message to check up on the students and how they are getting on.

    8/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • The year 1 content of my course has not been enormously beneficial in helping me perform better in my role. this is because half of the course content in year 1 is focused on biology and anatomy, both of which have very little to do with my job and therefore does not help me perform better in my role. the other half has helped me perform better slightly as it has jogged my memory on basic physics and maths content.

    5/10

  • 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.)
  • We some times have the opportunity to attend conferences or lectures around our field of interest, however these usually come at a large cost and so aren't offered to everyone at work - they are usually offered to the clinical scientists rather than technologists or trainees. We sometimes have social events such as going for drinks after work but not often (especially currently with COVID). I would say extra-curricular activities at my workplace are fairly rare.

    4/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Univeristy hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS foundation trust to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • The NHS are offering degree apprenticeships through the university of the west of england (UWE) which is a way of learning and working, earning a wage and getting the degree paid for. The NHS offers great career progression and are a very supportive company, although the pay coulf be better! (i understand this is out of the NHS's control). The people who work for the NHS are great and very supportive and will make you feel welcome.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Univeristy hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS foundation trust?
  • Research thoroughly into the job role you are applying for - it may not be exactly what you expect. Read the job description clearly and make sure you cover all aspects in your application form. Ask what to expect at your interview, it not be totally obvious and there is nothing wrong with asking! Gain experience if you can, or ask for a workplace visit. Look into the training program the company can offer and see if it is right for you.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Nursing

Bristol

July 2020

Recruiting? See how we can help you