Leeds City College

When Digital Officer, Amy, decided to take on a digital apprenticeship, she was doing secretarial work at a GP practice as well as basic communications, including website maintenance and social media management.

After receiving a visit from the Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Communications team, they invited her to spend the day at their office with their Digital Officer and it was at this stage where she looked into an apprenticeship and the benefits of acquiring the skills needed to advance her career, while gaining a qualification. We caught up with her to find out about her experience.

What made you choose an apprenticeship?
After doing some research, I decided that an apprenticeship would be an excellent way of gaining a professional qualification and essential experience from professionals who could provide me with the guidance and support I required to excel within my role.I was really motivated to get started in my new role as Digital Officer.

How has this apprenticeship helped you progress?
The modules provided me with essential knowledge and the hands-on training gave me the opportunity to put my new skills into practice, providing me with the confidence needed to successfully develop in my career. My tutor and colleagues have been encouraging and supportive – ensuring that I progressed at an appropriate pace throughout.

How has a medical practice benefited from having a digital marketer?
Digital roles are new and upcoming roles within GP practices so it’s been fantastic to have a member of the team with the knowledge to work towards transforming the doctor-patient relationship, reflecting the NHS ambition to embrace technology as part of its drive to offer a modern, convenient and responsive service to patients.

How has your experience been?
Leeds City College and the staff made the whole experience straightforward from the day that I made contact for advice on courses best suited to my role. I felt fully supported throughout with regular progress or reboot sessions, as well as my tutor being easily accessible to answer any questions.

Since my role was new within the practice, I had limited support from colleagues due to their own busy roles, so it’s been valuable to have ongoing and personalised support from my tutor who has been able to adapt to my working environment and guide me through my new role.