Clinical Engineering Apprentice Review

The role of a Clinical Engineering Apprentice involves assisting with the repair and maintenance of Medical devices such as ECG's, Blood Pressure Monitors, Dialysis Machines and so forth. There is an element of administration involved in completing work requests and managing NHS email. No two days are the same.

I have really been able to develop my confidence in the role, including improving my communication (whether that be face-to-face, via email or phone) and team work skills. The department have also empowered me to work on my own initiative and self-manage smaller duties. My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop new skills such as milling and turning and comprehension of Electrical Safety Testing.

I really enjoy my programme. The department is very supportive of its apprentices and has facilitated top-up knowledge sessions where our course content was particularly complicated. Our protected study days have always been honoured and where time is available the department allow us to complete course-related content at work too!

The apprenticeship is well organised on the part of my employer. It is orchestrated in such a way that I rotate each of the ten specialty departments within Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering. I have monthly reviews with the departmental apprentice manager, and quarterly reviews with the trust apprentice lead.

I am very well supported in my apprenticeship. My weekly study days are protected and in the midst of the pandemic I was facilitated to have these from home. Content I do not feel is covered directly by my course is supplemented by additional sessions ran by my colleagues in house.

My training provider has delivered the content to us as timetabled. The course can, at times, be heavily reliant on initiative and research which I can see may overwhelm some learners. For me, however, this self-proficient learning is not too problematic. The content from the training provider is not always applicable to the sector in which I work.

The qualification helps me to progress within the NHS Pay Bands and to obtain additional responsibility within the department. The content of my qualification is vague and not always largely relevant, however it does form the foundation knowledge of engineering and electronics alike to allow for further specialism in the future.

Yes - I am an active member of the Union. I have recently undertaken Union Rep training too so I can act as a support for fellow members. I have been able to take additional training to supplement my role such as First Aid training too.

Yes

There are great progression opportunities available to you within Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, and the NHS alike. The attitude of my colleagues towards apprentices is positive and I feel embraced and respected by my co-workers. Support is always available, whether it be from management, the education and training team or the Union.

Research the job you are applying for thoroughly. When applying for a practical role, such as engineering, ensure you are apt with tools in preparation for an assessment task.