Heartbeat: Our apprentices make their mark on 2020
January 12, 2021
2020 has thrown lots of things our way, but it has not stopped colleagues from taking the opportunity to further their learning and focus on enhancing their careers within our Trust.
This month we introduce you to three such people who have excelled in apprenticeships in 2020.
Kajal Sondhi currently works as a volunteer service coordinator completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Team Leading at the end of October, obtaining a distinction.
The Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship aims to support aspiring Team Leaders and those in a first-line management role, with operational/ project responsibilities and responsibility for managing a team to deliver a clearly defined outcome. The programme provides direction, instructions and guidance for the team leader to be able to support, manage and develop their team members, manage projects, plan and monitor workloads and resources, deliver operational plans, resolve problems, and build relationships.
Kajal was thrilled to have completed her Level 3 programme with distinction. She told Heartbeat: “I am delighted I have finally finished my Level 3 apprenticeship. I believe the skills I have gained from completing this apprenticeship will allow me to play a better role in supporting my team, which will only benefit the volunteer service and our volunteers.”
Despite COVID-19, apprenticeships across the Trust for both clinical and non-clinical colleagues are still available and Maxine Griffiths, Widening Participation Manager/Apprenticeship Lead is encouraging those interested to seek more information.
She said: “If you feel you’re ready to upskill yourself you should consider an apprenticeship. We’re currently planning a range of apprenticeship programmes to start in December and 2021 using online and remote delivery methods to allow people to continue their learning. We have a variety of apprenticeships available across both Level 2 and 3 and, more importantly, the cost for the apprenticeships is funded through the apprenticeship levy. There is no charge to the individual or their department.
Also, we can support higher level and degree apprenticeships using Levy funding, so please contact us if you wish to explore your career development further.”
2020 has been a year for recognising individuals’ commitments to learning. In fact, two such people are Max Newbould and Rachael Gallagher who were highlighted in this year’s Star Awards. Both took time out to share their experiences with us.
Rachael works as Secretary/Admin Assistant as part of Estates. Speaking of her achievements over the last 12 months, she said: “Being the first person in the Trust to complete the Business Administration Apprenticeship Level 3 at the new standard and gaining a distinction was a big achievement.
“I was also part of a small team who worked on an internal proposal to keep the estates services in-house. Working on this exposed me to new levels of administration enhancing my skills even further.”
Max Newbould, Simulation Technician was awarded Learner of the Year at Star Awards 2020. He joined our workplace in April 2019 and has achieved plenty over the last 12 months.
Calling out of few of his successes he said: “Supporting the development of the simulation centre which opened in May 2019 was a big milestone. I also helped develop the new simulation space on D20 for undergraduate teaching (due to COVID). Furthermore I developed the sim centre Connect page.
“The Introduction of Signup Genius (e simulation bookings) to postgraduate has largely improved the way candidates and faculty book onto training sessions.
“I completed my Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship and I was delighted to be nominated for Apprentice of the Month. I look forward to continuously developing the quality of simulation sessions that we deliver in the centre and further continue my education and development in the Trust.”