Amy van Rensburg - Simulation Training and Technical Skills Administrator, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Name: Amy van Rensburg, Simulation Training and Technical Skills Administrator, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Apprenticeship: Team Leader Level 3
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I liked the idea of learning and then putting that into practice within my job role, with people I am comfortable around and people who I know will support me. I felt I would get more out of an apprenticeship than just going on a course and doing a test at the end.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?
Putting into practice new skills and getting the opportunity to manage a t-level cadet on our team. Its also rewarding to get feedback regarding the work I put into the assessments and workbooks.
What have you taken from the apprenticeship so far?
Managing the t-level cadet on our team, I can see how much I have learnt so far and, including and outside of the apprenticeship, how much I have grown as a person. I have received feedback from some colleagues that since doing the apprenticeship they can see my thinking has changed and the way I approach things has changed. I have also received some feedback from colleagues that I would be a good manager
and that they wish I was their manager which has been really lovely to hear.
With my current position it has been hard to not see myself as just the admin and that that’s all I’ll ever be, especially when that’s the treatment you get from some people. Since doing this apprenticeship I now fully believe I can be a good manager of people.
How have you progressed or plan to progress following your apprenticeship?
I plan on looking for a team leader role within the Trust or outside the Trust if needed – I plan on staying within the NHS. There isn’t a role within the team that I could progress to unfortunately so I would have to leave my team. I plan to then do the next level leadership apprenticeship to further my skills and qualifications as long as I have the
support from my line manager and Trust to do so.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
Yes I would – it’s great to learn whilst you work and be able to put the things you learn into practice. It keeps the learning interesting because you’re not just sitting in a classroom all day every day.