BLOG: My Queen's apprenticeship experience – Michael Currie
"The ability to make an income whilst learning and gaining experience is great, and I can use transferable skills from my existing degree qualification and professional experience."
A special blog for NI Apprenticeship Week by Michael Currie, Apprentice Technician, School of Nursing & Midwifery.
I had been self-employed for 10 years before working at Queen's and was looking for a more stable income with good conditions. The prospect of investing time and money into studying in a new field without a guarantee of employment wasn't appealing to me. The ability to make an income whilst learning and gaining experience is great, and I can use transferable skills from my existing degree qualification and professional experience.
Most mornings in my apprenticeship role are spent ensuring that equipment is set up and functioning, consumable items for healthcare, such as ensuring needles are well-stocked and that the lecturers have everything they need to teach a clinical skills class. This can range from Human Patient Simulators to audiovisual aids or medical equipment such as hoists, resuscitaires or ultrasound machines.
We also take care of the simulated clinical waste and ensure that the teaching environment is safe and maintains a clinical standard. In addition to this, we also tackle logistical challenges like inventory, delivery and assembly of new equipment and booking lecturers into teaching rooms around the Medical Biology Centre. We are not largely student or public-facing, but typically spend some time guiding new students or guests to their classes.
I have many filming projects to be shot and edited for tutorial content or to assist staff projects, so when not on my feet, I spend a lot of time editing in Premiere or working on my Creative Media & Film qualification through Belfast Met.
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is how my coworkers and I can work together towards a common goal, utilising each other's unique strengths. There is a high priority placed upon staff and student wellbeing, and I enjoy not working in a corporate environment with increasing targets or deadlines. I also enjoy the physical nature of the work and can leave work knowing that I can relax for the evening.
My proudest moment so far in my apprenticeship has been the opportunity to put the skills I’ve learned into practice. I've enjoyed my time studying as part of the apprenticeship and have benefited by gaining new skills in cinematography, editing and understanding the filmmaking process. I recently submitted a showreel of my work, which was satisfying to see, and I received good feedback.
My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship at Queen’s would be to explore the opportunities available. Leaving a job to pursue a new direction can be daunting, but the benefits of having a salary and full-time employment make the process a lot easier.
