Providing Opportunities Through Apprenticeships
Patient transport provider ERS Medical offers a variety of apprenticeship schemes within operational, clinical and support based roles. The scheme provides the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a salary, gain real qualifications whilst gaining valuable workplace skills.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (4 – 8 March) we caught up Billing & Contracts Specialist, Laura Badcock, who is currently doing her apprenticeship with ERS Medical:
Laura Badcock, Billing and Contracts Specialist, ERS Medical
Hi Laura, why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with ERS Medical?
“When starting my job with ERS Medical, I realised there was a lot more I wanted to learn about finance as a whole. I wanted to add to the knowledge I’d learnt from working within finance with an academic qualification. When I was offered the chance to complete an apprenticeship with ERS Medical, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a qualification and learn from my colleagues at the same time. I am able to complete my training with help and support from my colleagues where needed.”
What do you think the apprenticeship has taught you?
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn while you work. So far my apprenticeship has not only taught me more about finance, but the skills needed to apply the academic knowledge most effectively. Over the course of the apprenticeship, you are given tasks and assessments to complete which is designed to teach you to employ good knowledge, skills and behaviours, into your day-to-day job. Since starting my apprenticeship, my functional skills have developed and my confidence has grown. Within an apprenticeship you are required to complete on the job training. I find this extremely helpful as it allows me to apply the theory I learn in the classroom to an organisation I am familiar with.
What part of your job do you really like?
I think the part of my job I most enjoy would have to be billing at month end. My day-to-day work revolves around the billing we do at month end so this is a critical time for us. It is important for us to work to time constraints with a good level of attention to detail and organisational skills. It is a busy three days which plays a crucial part to how the business runs throughout the next month. I like the responsibility I am given at month end and the pressure that comes with it.
How do you find the work/study balance?
Because I am on an apprenticeship, I am given time within my working hours to revise or complete the assessments required. I find this really helpful as I am given extra time set aside to work on developing my knowledge and experience. Having said this, I complete most of my revision for my exams outside of working hours and leave the time in work for my training. I find this works best for me as I am able to receive more mentoring, shadowing and one-to-one learning in this time, which utilises my time and resources better.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other people? Why?
Yes. An apprenticeship is a really good way of gaining qualifications and being able to apply the academic knowledge to examples. It allows you to develop your skills and knowledge whilst working, benefitting both you and the company you work for. By completing an apprenticeship, you are offered support from your colleagues in the form of mentoring and training, which teaches you essential skills to work within the field. An apprenticeship acts as a stepping stone to give you the opportunity to gain qualifications and skills to progress to your chosen career path.”
