This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week to celebrate the diversity and value apprentices bring to North Bristol NHS Trust.
In December 2019 we were delighted to welcome Shakira Rawlins to NBT as the first Library, Information and Archive Service Apprentice in the NHS!
We wanted to find out more about her role and how she is getting along.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I’ve never had a job where I would also be undertaking relevant training and a qualification, so this was the perfect opportunity to transition into a library environment with ongoing professional development. I have always wanted to work in a library, and this apprenticeship has allowed me to do that and access a great wealth of knowledge and resources.
What made you want to apply for an apprenticeship at NBT?
Growing up with the NHS services, the idea of working in my desired profession and helping to develop staff capabilities and knowledge made working at NBT a very fruitful option! Also, working in a medical library was an exciting opportunity for me!
How much support is on offer?
I am surrounded by a great, experienced library team that put up with all my questions! I also have my tutor Stephen from LMP who I have regular meetings with.
What is a regular day like for you?
A regular day for me consists of fulfilling inter library loan requests, submitting requests on behalf of NBT staff members and completing my apprenticeship tasks. We have also had library-specific tasks and projects like stock checking and creating resources for displays.
How is the Library, Information and Archive Service course.
The Library, Information and Archive apprenticeship course allows me to gain a wide knowledge of different library types in the UK, how they operate and relevant policy and legislation. Through my assignments and day-to-day work, I am developing a working understanding of how libraries work, what changes are in the pipeline and what the future holds for UK library services!
At NBT we are an award-winning centre for providing health care and business administration apprenticeships. We offer nationally recognised qualifications for new and existing staff to gain the knowledge, skills and competence for their role, whilst also gaining wider, transferable employability skills.
The Practice Development Team have achieved numerous accreditations and awards, including:
• A City & Guilds Approved Centre
• The National Skill Academy ‘Lead Employer Partner’
• Matrix Quality Standard for Information, Advice and Guidance Services
To find out about an apprenticeship at NBT or email apprenticeship.enquiries@nbt.nhs.uk