Evie currently works as a Business Admin Apprentice in Women’s and Children’s Services at the Rosie Hospital.
She chose to do an apprenticeship at CUH because she knew that she wanted to work in a healthcare setting where the environment and people were welcoming and friendly. She says wanted to be a part of an organisation that helped people and made a difference to their lives.
Evie believes that her apprenticeship has helped her in many ways as she has gained a lot of confidence, met some amazing people and has really enjoyed learning.
She likes to learn by being hands on and thought that this was a great opportunity to do just that!
Why do you think that CUH are a good employer for apprenticeships?
I think CUH are a good employer for apprenticeships because there are endless learning opportunities and ways to develop skills and the people in CUH are welcoming, friendly and always happy to help!
What does a typical day look like and what do you enjoy about your role?
A typical day is usually busy; it involves speaking to various staff members and patients. My day can go from doing some general admin work to helping my team find solutions and solve patient queries. I really enjoy working within a hardworking team and I love the fact not every day is the same! I have been behind the scenes, booking meetings for people, helping with interview prep, filing, taking minutes from meetings. However, I have also been patient facing on the clinic front desk, checking patients in and booking appointments and also working alongside my team and medical professionals to help solve patient queries. I have really had a great experience with both and have developed better problem-solving and customer service skills.
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 my off the job learning, I have shadowed and learnt different processes, I have done my own research on my coursework modules and completed the coursework, I have sat in on different meetings, and I have learnt how to complete so many different tasks! My ‘college’ part of the course is all done online; I meet my tutor once a month and complete my coursework on my study days at home. My tutor is always on email and ready to help if I need.
How have your department supported you within this apprenticeship?
My department have been so incredibly supportive throughout my journey! They have celebrated my successes and have supported me through my anxiety and worries from when I first started and even now, when I’m given something new to try! They are always there to help me and give me advice if I’m feeling lost and that is a really comforting feeling.
What are your future intentions?
I’m not sure where I want to be in the future, I do know that I love helping people and would like to continue to do this.
Many apprentices bring unique perspectives or experiences to their roles (for example neurodiversity, ethnicity, faith, or personal circumstances). Is there anything about your personal background or identity that you feel has influenced and/or strengthened your apprenticeship journey?
My Nan was cared by Women’s Services in The Rosie when she was diagnosed with cancer and not only did the staff look after her with great kindness, they also supported me and my family through such difficult times. Because of this, The Rosie Hospital has a special place in my heart. When this apprenticeship came up, I immediately had my heart set on it because it meant I could give back to the hospital and help both the patients and the staff. I feel very passionately about being kind to everyone because you truly don’t know what they or their family are going through.
I also struggle with severe anxiety which affected my school life and so many more aspects of my life. I knew this would be a huge challenge as it meant I had to push through my anxiety, making sure it didn’t hold me back, and I had to make huge changes. I went straight from school into my apprenticeship at 16 so being in a full-time job was a massive leap. Another big change I made was moving in with my Grandad for 4 nights a week whilst I am working onsite!
When I was at school, I found that I couldn’t learn in an environment where I was sat at a desk taking notes and I realised that working hands on helped me to learn, gain experience in a real world setting and develop so many new skills. It also helped my confidence grow massively!
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on an apprenticeship?
Just go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity to work in an area where you’d like your future career to be! It’s definitely nerve wracking but stick to it because you’ll get such good experience and will learn so many new skills.