Therapy Technician Review

My current role is a Therapy Technician, which comprises of helping service users maintain or regain their independence by providing exercises and equipment to help them overcome barriers to live their lives as independently as possible. I hold my own caseload and help is always at hand from Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists within the team.

Since starting my apprenticeship to become an Occupational Therapist I have learnt many new skills. The benefit of an apprenticeship is I get to put my learning into practice whilst maintaining my current role, developing into and Occupational Therapist. This includes not only working with service users but reflecting on my skills and looking to help service provision.

I very much enjoy the programme, I learn new things every week to develop my professional skills. I have met many new people at University, including a large number of other students who are completing the degree as apprentices, it is good to talk about our experiences and how learning fits into our every day role.

The programme is very well structured, there are four modules to the degree to be completed yearly, one of these is a placement in another work based setting. As students we are given a 'scheme of work' outlining the University days, course content, assessment dates and any prior reading required.

My employer is very supportive in allowing the day off each week to attend University. I have an allocated mentor at work and I am allowed regular mentor sessions to discuss my ongoing learning needs to develop my skills, extra training needs, to consolidate my knowledge and plan future development.

When starting University you are introduced to all the module leads and tutors, they are always happy to answer questions, either in class or via email. They help support not only your learning but are also able to signpost you to any service required within the University. There are academic librarians and there is learning and development support also.

It helps me to understand the role better and gives me chance to develop my own skills as a therapist. I am able to put theory into practice and understand the science behind using occupation as therapy. It is developing my professionalism with service users, other therapists and senior leadership team.

I am currently in the second year of my studies and I work full time, so there is a restricted amount of time I am able to participate in. I work colleagues are very social, however, this has been restricted by the appearance of Covid-19, we look forward to the time we can do this again. University also have plenty of social activities.

Yes

I am proud of the Service I work for. We have just been awarded outstanding by CQC, which highlights our efforts to maintain a great service during difficult times. The people I work with are so very friendly, we always try to help and support each other which makes work enjoyable.

What can I say? Come work for us! Whilst work is always busy, we are a fun and friendly team to work with and there is always the opportunity to develop and share your skills. We have a great team of managers who are always happy to listen to us, I hope to meet you soon!