Radiotherapy Technician Apprentice Review

My role as a radiotherapy technician means I am part of the team responsible for maintaining the Linear Accelerator machines used for Radiation treatments. This includes routine quality assurance tests, servicing and being on stand-by incase of machine breakdowns. My job also requires me to complete audits, review processes and work closely with medical physicists and therapeutic radiographers.

I would say my apprenticeship scheme is extremely well structured. I have lectures routinely on a Wednesday delivered online from the university and my work allows me to take this as a work from home study day. This gives me 20% time to focus fully on the university content. I also have free time during the working day where I can continue with research or coursework and my manager and colleagues are accommodating to allow me to do this if necessary.

I receive lots of support from my employer. This comes in different ways but the main is accommodating me time to work on university work and support with any questions I have about certain things. It also shows if I am doing something I may be unfamiliar with and being made to feel comfortable to reach out to my colleagues for help. Everyone I have worked with is understanding that I am training and take the time to explain or show me processes that will be useful to my degree.

I have weekly lectures delivered online from my university via teams. These are useful to teach the content and ask any questions about coursework, exams or knowledge. Due to the remote nature of the apprenticeship from the university, sometimes it can be hard to access certain things such as software or applications, and the communication is harder as it is all done through online chanels., However, the uni do address this where possible but it is something to note about the remote nature of an apprenticeship

The university content is directly related to my role and has allowed me to develop with the things I am completing on a daily basis at work. I would say some of the content has come maybe in an order that is not the most beneficial in third year and would've been better suited earlier on but overall the content is appropriate to the workplace and my role

Yes

CUH has such a positive approach to trainees and apprentices and provides excellent opportunities to those starting out their careers or wishing to complete further training and study in their existing role. There are teams to help with new staff and networks that are available to join to help people find their communities. Everyone at CUH is welcoming and understanding and open to helping.