Q&A with Bereket Eyassu, Customer Service Practitioner - National Apprenticeship Week 2022
9 February 2022
Name: Bereket Eyassu
Job role: Customer Service Practitioner
CSU/area of work: Medical Deployment
What apprenticeship are you doing/have you done?
I started and completed the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship. Whilst studying this I worked in the Medical Deployment helping to arrange doctors' rotas.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship at Leeds Teaching Hospitals?
I wanted to do the apprenticeship because I thought it was the best route to develop myself. I already knew people from my country that worked in the NHS, and that said that the apprenticeship would help me develop my communication skills and integrate into the UK. I also thought that working in a hospital would give me the best experience as it’s nice to work and help people. I thought it would give me satisfaction. This made me decide to do the apprenticeship.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship and why would you recommend it to others?
I got loads of benefits from doing the apprenticeship. The first benefit I got is a qualification in Maths and English, which is very useful to me. A major benefit as well that I knew I would get a permanent job if I completed the apprenticeship, and I was able to do so.
I’d really suggest to others that they do the apprenticeship. I think it’s a great way to develop skills like communication. I also think that working in the NHS brings job satisfaction which is another reason I’d recommend it. I’ve actually already recommended to friends that they join an apprenticeship already, and one of my friends has already started an apprenticeship at the Trust.
What difference does this apprenticeship make?
The work I do makes a big different. I help our patients get a better service by ensuring that shifts are covered, and that doctors have enough rest so they are working safely. This helps to make sure that patients are the priority.
For me personally the main benefit has been for my communication skills but the apprenticeship has also helped me to get to know new people and better integrate into life in the UK. Before the apprenticeship I found it very hard to integrate so this really helped me because I was experiencing different people and different cultures and that really help me settle in the UK.
Do you have any advice for anyone interested in this apprenticeship?
If you’re thinking about doing it I’d say it’s a nice way to get into the NHS and improve yourself. You can improve yourself and get lots of qualifications. Many people in my department started as an apprentice and have progressed to more senior roles, so I’d recommend anyone to join for your career. I am really pleased to say that, since doing the apprenticeship, I have also progressed into a Medical Deployment Officer role.
What I would say to people on the course is to work hard. There are assignments that you need to do early so you don’t get really busy towards the end of the programme. I’d say do your assignments and college work as quickly as you can. I’d also tell people to speak up if you don’t know something, don’t be shy or embarrassed. It’s just important to ask and people will be there to help you.
