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Sarah Zajac

Name - Sarah Zajac

Current department and job role - Trainee Biomedical Scientist in Blood Science Pathology

Department and job role whilst completing apprenticeship - I began as an assistant and have just been offered a trainee Biomedical Scientist role which will begin next month

Name and level of apprenticeship completed/working on - Healthcare Science degree at The University of Bradford.

Date of completion - May 2020

How did you come to undertake an apprenticeship?

I have been working in Pathology as a medical laboratory assistant for 7 years. Part of my role involved supporting Biomedical Scientists in the day to day running of the various disciplines within pathology. The professional role of the Biomedical Scientist inspired me to want to further my career. To enable me to do this I began a self funded degree in Healthcare Science at Bradford University as there was no apprentice  scheme at that point. Prior to beginning my third year, the apprentice scheme was made available to pathology and I was able to transfer.  

What are/were your tasks while you were undertaking your apprenticeship?

My job role as an MLA remained the same whilst studying in the first two years, but as a registration portfolio is a required element of the course this will require additional training in order to meet the HCPC standards.

As I have now become a trainee Biomedical Scientist my job role will change and when I finish the degree in 2020 I will up and ready to work as a fully qualified Biomedical Scientist.

How are/were you supported throughout your apprenticeship (by your manager, the training provider and any additional support you needed – maybe any impact this had on your home life if any)?

I currently receive support with a paid day off and travel expenses once a week to attend lectures at Bradford. Within the lab I have received study time and mentorship to enable me to develop my knowledge and skills.

What happened at the end of your apprenticeship, or what are your plans for the end of your apprenticeship?

I hope to pass all requirements of the degree and this will enable me to become a fully qualified, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist.

What advice would you give someone in your position who is thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship?

Although it’s a lot of hard work, it’s a brilliant opportunity and will be worth all the effort when I qualify. It’s a great department to work in and I look forward to a career in this discipline.

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