CARE4Notts Lead Review
at NHS
Degree Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Sutton in Ashfield
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I lead a careers academy service that represents health and social care across Nottinghamshire. I have created a comprehensive website to highlight over 350 roles. I promote careers daily through social media, attending events, arranging speakers for others events and via emails. I network with organisations that support young people into work, schools, colleges, volunteers, employers and individuals.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have always liked to develop myself and push my abilities by learning new things. I leapt at the chance to complete the MSc via the apprenticeship route as it allows me to carry on with my role whilst gaining a new qualification. I enjoy working with my cohort and sharing our experiences and knowledge. I enjoy the subject matter and can apply the things I learn to my day to day role. It is hard work studying as well as working but overall it is rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I learn new skills all the time. I have learnt to communicate with lots of different people across lots of different organisations. I have attend lots of different webinars and virtual events over the pandemic period. I have had to learn new skills in communicating online e.g. Teams meetings such as sharing my screen, developing a background and when to mute or not. I have also had to learn how to work from home and the changes this brings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is structured well however due to the pandemic it was paused twice. This has meant each time it commences having to get back into the process of studying again. I have support from work colleagues and the cohort. We also have a work mentor that we can use to provide additional support. Most of the lectures are held online now due to the pandemic and I initially found this hard to concentrate for several hours bit now I enjoy and look forward to these sessions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer fully supports my learning and development. Completing the MSc is part of my personal development plan and progress is discussed regularly with my line manager. I get the time I need to complete assignments and off the job elements of my learning. I am supported to attend events or meetings that support my learning and feel I have the support I need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Our overall course leader has been fabulous, she is approachable and totally understands how hard it can be to learn whilst working. Each module has a different tutor/subject matter expert and the pace and style of delivery varies. The University have been brilliant in supporting access to the library and classroom space and we have felt welcomed even though not full time students. It has been hard to get used to the online tools that the University uses to deliver sessions and track our progress but support has always been available.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have totally been able to put my learning into practice. Foe example in my job I needed to complete a business plan and because of my apprenticeship I was able t do this with ease and with new found knowledge. It was professional and was received with praise. I feel I have grown in my own role because of my apprenticeship and how relevant it is to my day t day role. The network of fellow learners has also proven to be useful too in my role and we support each other.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
The hospital has many groups and events for staff to join from gardening clubs, running clubs and many more. There are classes for yoga, losing weight and smoking cessation. There is a social Facebook page where staff can chat. The hospital is situated by a local reservoir and we are encourage to walk around this on our lunch breaks. Being part of the NHS entitles me to reduced membership to local health clubs and retail. Due to the pandemic as greater emphasis has been made to provide staff with tools/guides/events to support mental health and nationally the NHS has access to free online metal health apps and tools.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I love working for the NHS, there are so many career options and lots of support to develop if you wish. I trained in one career and over time have moved into another and the NHS supported me to do this. Sherwood Forest Hospitals has developed over the last 5 years into a supportive caring organisation that looks after its staff as well as it looks after the patients. It has been rewarded by being named the 'Trust of the Year' in 2020.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Go for it! Joining the NHS takes a little longer than some companies as there understandably strict checks to do to protect patients. You will need a couple of refences to cover the last 5 years ideally, most roles also require a DBS check and health check. Most NHS organisations will use an online application process and no longer accept CVs or paper applications. You may be invited to an assessment day. Each organisation has a great induction which is held on set days and you will get a local induction from your department. It can be quite daunting at first but you will soon find your feet.
