Khadija is currently working as an Operating Department Practitioner Apprentice in Theatres, alongside her twin sister Amina.
She chose to do an apprenticeship at CUH because she knew it would offer her hands-on experience across a variety of specialities. She felt that taking on an apprenticeship was more advantageous than other types of training or education (such as university) because alongside the opportunity of getting the hands-on experience she wanted, she would also be receiving one-to-one mentoring from her colleagues who are experienced professionals.
Why do you think that CUH are a good employer for apprenticeships?
As a teaching hospital, CUH supports students and apprentices, creating an environment where I can develop my skills and confidence, with the help of qualified professionals.
What does a typical day look like and what do you enjoy about your role?
Depending on which modules you are doing, you are assigned to a specific placement. Currently I am on anaesthetics. My day starts of by checking what is on the theatre list and setting up the theatre. This includes checking the anaesthetic machines, anaesthetic equipment, setting up the airway trolley, running through fluids or any lines, setting up any positioning equipment, taking part in the team brief, supporting the patient during their anaesthetic, assisting the anaesthetist with intubation, documenting, assisting with extubation, transferring the patient to recovery and lastly cleaning and setting up for the next patient.
What I enjoy the most is that every day is different as I am always learning something new. No two days are the same which makes it exciting. As an ODP we specialise in three areas: Scrub, Anaesthetics and Recovery. This allows me to develop a wide range of skills but also gives me flexibility in exploring which areas I enjoy the most.
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?
For the off the job learning aspect, we are given one study day per week. All our modules are online, so during this day we complete our assigned units and activities and attend any collaborate sessions. We have exams and assignments at the end of every term.
I am also a student representative for my cohort. This means I act as the liaison between students and the university, which includes gathering opinions and feedback from students, helping resolve issues students may be facing and attending meetings with lecturers to ensure our voice is heard in decision making processes.
Although it is all online, once a year we have a residential where we go to the University for a week. During this week, we get to meet the rest of our cohort face to face and our lecturers. We build on our clinical skills through simulations and enhance our practical skills such as learning how to cannulate.
How have your department supported you within this apprenticeship?
The department support me by having daily check-ins with the Clinical Education Team where they will come and check on you, making sure you feel supported and they will address any concerns you may have, (you might be offered some tea or coffee)! Moreover, the department provides training sessions for us on topics that we may be struggling with or practical skills we may need help with. For example, we have had sessions on how to set up a fluid warmer, the importance of checking blood products, assisting with arterial or central lines and a scrub Q&A.
What are your future intentions?
I plan to become a qualified ODP at CUH and continuously develop my skills and knowledge.
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to confidently take on any opportunity you get, although it may seem daunting. This way you will learn a lot and observe various skills and techniques. I would also say to manage your time wisely as you will be balancing work and academic learning at the same time. So, to stay productive it would be wise to come in every day with specific competencies or goals you would like to achieve.
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?
A key skill I have developed is time management. Having to balance academic work with placement responsibilities has made me become more organised and timelier. In addition, having to prioritise tasks based on importance in a clinical setting allows me to be more efficient.