Wynnie Yu - Level 6 Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
"After around 10 years working in a technical role within my laboratory I wanted to develop and progress to the role of Biomedical Scientist which would allow me to play a more in-depth role in the patient care pathway.
An apprenticeship allows me to stay in my employment whilst learning. There are also many advantages of getting a broader learning experience by constantly putting the theory into practice as I progress through my journey."
What stands out about NTU?
"The friendliness of the teaching staff and their wealth of experience from working in the NHS. Everyone is approachable and they truly understand the ups and downs of working in the same environment as the students."
I would highly recommend a higher/degree apprenticeship for anyone who would like a stable career in the area of their apprenticeship.
How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?
"Having an accredited degree and a portfolio of evidence is a prerequisite for registration with the regulatory body of my chosen profession. All the work I do as a part of this apprenticeship counts towards that portfolio, and the degree is fully accredited.
The years of real-life workplace training will also make me more attractive to potential employers over graduates who have only experienced university-based practical work."
How would you rate the teaching and support staff on this apprenticeship?
"The teaching staff have been excellent; they understand the pressures of having to balance life, studies, and work in under-resourced NHS hospital laboratories. Many apprentices on degree apprenticeships are mature students with families and the teaching staff are very sympathetic to this."
What advice would you give to someone considering a higher/degree apprenticeship?
"I would highly recommend a higher/degree apprenticeship for anyone who would like a stable career in the area of their apprenticeship. It is a practical alternative to research-orientated university studies and provides you with all the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to get a job and do it well. Employers highly value real-world experience and that is exactly what an apprenticeship offers.
Higher apprenticeships are also great for people who wish to progress in their existing career but don’t want to/can’t take the career break necessary for a full-time degree."
To learn more about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.