Mia currently works in the Trust’s PR & Communications Department as a Digital Communications Apprentice.
She chose to do an apprenticeship as she wanted to be earning a salary whilst learning on the job.
When asked why she chose CUH specifically, Mia says that she knew CUH was a big NHS employer and was a good workplace to learn in, as it is a teaching hospital linked to the University of Cambridge.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A typical day for me involves replying to emails (this may be to do with work that’s coming up), Outpatient screens as these are my responsibility, or general emails. I am set tasks that involve drafting, scheduling and posting posts.
I can also be asked to help with setting the web pages up and I was involved in getting GP portal content up and running.
I can also be asked to research certain channels; for example I was asked recently to research YouTube and TikTok, and look into the departmental accounts and review how they use their channels and see what they can do better.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy having responsibility to look after certain channels on my own, for example Outpatient screens and Lightroom, as this builds my confidence in taking control of projects; this will be beneficial for my career development in the future.
I also really enjoy creating posts on socials and going out to take images/videos for content on socials.
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?
I attend college one day per week which lasts for 3 terms to get all the subjects covered which includes learning all of the technical skills such as principles of marketing, coding, digital marketing, etc; I then need to complete 6 projects during my apprenticeship.
When I am at college I also get some personal development time within the day. The technical skills I learn at college are then used in the workplace, but my off the job training can also involve any training I am shown within working hours as long as it’s a new skill that I am being taught.
What are your future intentions?
I would like to complete the apprenticeship to a good level so I can move into a digital marketing/ social media position in a team – I then hope to progress within this career.
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on an apprenticeship?
I would say definitely go for it as it’s been a great way for me to get the experience of working in my first full time role while learning and getting a qualification for myself.
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 in your role?
I would say I have definitely become more confident, as it has taken me out of my comfort zone to talk in meetings and to different people within the Trust.