Apprentice Biomedical scientist Review

In Microbiology we provided diagnosis testing for fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. My day to day is different depending on the bench I am I on. For viruses, this could involve the extraction of RNA/DNA for testing on one of our many PCR platforms, which provide qualitative or quantitative results. For bacteria, this can involve the reading of agar plates to determine which pathogens are causing infection.

I have learnt new skills and have developed exciting ones. Before my apprenticeship I had never read an agar plate and this has offered me the opportunity to do so, on a variety of benches where each one has different criteria. This has extended my knowledge of pathogens as whole.

I found the programme enjoyable, as I I’ve to learn new things. I gained more knowledge of pathology as a whole, and this lead to understanding different departments that had not been exposed to before. I enjoyed meeting a new crowd of people, who if I hadn’t joined this programme I would not had the pleasure to meet.

As we are the first year to do this programme at this institution the course was new so still had several kinks. This meant that it sometimes felt as though I was a learning on the job exercise. However, we were always listened too and though that may not have meant that it became easier for my year, the following years did benefit from our experience.

My employer was supportive, I was provided a mentor who was amazing and supportive at all times. They ensured that was prepared for exams and my registration portfolio and whenever I felt I couldn’t complete the programme they were there to listen and encourage me so I did not give up.

My training provider were always there to answer any questions and queries. When the pandemic hit and the workload in pathology grew exponentially they were always supportive of ensuring that time was still given to students so they could complete their studies. There always knew where you could go if they could not help

Without the qualification I can not do my role, having the degree is a fundamental to being a HCPC registered scientist. The course is IBMS accredited too, when allows you to apply for HCPC registration upon completion of the IBMS generic portfolio. The teaching for the qualification will allow me to be a more rounded BMS as it is multidisciplinary. The professional practice modules mean that you gain a wider understanding of the BMS role, that you do not gain on similar full time qualifications.

We do not have any formal activities that we can be involved in. However, we are sociable group of people and will organise nights out and xmas parties. We do have running clubs and various other activities that are available through the trust. We do hold CPD meeting on occasion.

Yes

Working for the NHS has lots of possibilities, and the pension is also a good selling point. I feel as though my department is a good place to work, we work as a team and we are a vey supportive group of people. The offering of ways to progress is also a good reason to work within the trust.

We have a set of code of conduct that we swear by, this is available on the trust website and I would ensure that you are familiar with these before applying as they are very important. The application form looks long at firt but it is a simple process and do not be put off by them. With all jobs there is a job description, where possible make sure you cover all the point in the personal statement, even if this means you write it in the heading. On occasion there is a question in the application form, make sure you read the job spec carefully as you will need to answer the question if there is one.