Chloe currently works as a GI Cancer Administrator in Gastroenterology.
She chose to do an apprenticeship at CUH because she wanted to be part of a patient’s journey, helping and supporting them whilst being able to learn and develop her own skills at the same time.
Chloe feels that her apprenticeship provided her with a unique experience to learn but earn at the same time, to be able to intertwine knowledge from her course and her job role to provide her with a deeper understanding of the Trust and her department which she thinks is very beneficial.
Why do you think that CUH are a good employer for apprenticeships?
I think CUH is a good employer for apprenticeships because it provides you with many different opportunities, whether you want to become a nurse or develop in an administrative role there is something for everyone.
You can also continue to develop your skills, I started with a Business Administrator Level 2 apprenticeship and am now completing my Level 3; there are so many opportunities.
What does a typical day look like and what do you enjoy about your role?
My role is varied every week. I am responsible for processing referrals that come through from GPs for patients with worrying digestive system symptoms, tracking results from patient’s procedures, booking in their procedures and results appointments. I liaise with clinicians and consultants regarding patient’s procedures and manage telephone appointments booking patients procedures and answering queries.
I enjoy being able to support patients, many come to my department very anxious or afraid due to the worrying symptoms and possibility of cancer, it means a lot to me if I can help make a patient feel calmer or heard with their concerns and doing what I can to ensure they are seen quickly and efficiently. With policies and procedures changing, I enjoy learning the ways it impacts our department and how we implement this in our role also.
What sorts of things do you do for the off the job learning aspect of your apprenticeship and does this involve attending college or is it all completed at work?
All of my off the job learning is completed at work and there are many different things that can be included such as time with my college assessor where she sets me tasks, researching and completing assignments. I also attend monthly meetings regarding updates on protocols within my department, attend any relevant training courses within the Trust (some are completed through our on-line learning system DOT) plus I have shadowed interviews and clinics with our nurses learning about their role in my department.
Since starting in my Band 4 role during this apprenticeship, all of my training and shadowing has contributed towards my off the job learning.
How have your department supported you within this apprenticeship?
My department has been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship. My line manager attends my Teams meetings with my assessor providing feedback where required and always offers support where they can. I have been able to arrange shadowing with other colleagues and liaise with team members about their journey through the Trust, which has been very beneficial to learn and inspire me for my future.
What are your future intentions?
I have never had a set plan of what I want to do with my career however I enjoy furthering my education. After my Level 3 Apprenticeship I may consider proceeding to Level 4 (once I have had a little break!) I also would be interested in pursuing a higher role within the Trust as possible line-management as I enjoy supporting and encouraging other team members.
One day I would like to work towards a management role to be able to share my knowledge and support to other team members, whether this is with in the similar department I am in now or whether I would one day like to work with incoming apprentices/staff in the Workforce Team. I haven’t decided yet but I am excited to see where my future could lead within Addenbrookes and my progression.
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on an apprenticeship?
I would encourage anyone looking to take on an Apprenticeship to take the leap and go for it. Before my apprenticeship I was worried work life would be difficult for me as I have anxiety. However I can say it was the best decision I have ever made and I have gone further than I thought I could.
I was able to learn without pressure and develop my skills but also develop the skills you need in the working environment. It opens up many different opportunities and avenues for you to pursue. It truly is an incredible opportunity and I would encourage anyone to take the chance.
The main theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is skills for life. What are the most important skills for life that you have developed and how has your apprenticeship training helped to build them?
When I started my apprenticeship as a Level 2 I lacked an awful amount of confidence in myself, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and felt a bit lost. Completing my apprenticeship has helped me to massively build my confidence which in turn has helped me build skills within the work place. My communication skills have improved, before this role I had never spoken to a patient over the telephone and found the task quite daunting, I now do this on a daily basis without thinking twice.
I have been given the confidence to try new things, meet new people and push myself out of my comfort zone which has benefited me in both my work and personal life. I have grown into a different person than I was at the beginning of my Apprenticeship. It has also shown me that I enjoy training people and supporting team members that I am capable of more than I ever thought.