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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	I think that the hands on experience is invaluable and earning real money at the same time is a definite bonus!

Kieran Smith is 19 and has been working at the Moorland Dental Practice in Leek for almost a year. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school” says Kieran, “but when the position for a Dental Nurse became available here I applied and got the job. I’ve recently been promoted to Head Dental Nurse which involves assisting the Dentist, ensuring that everything runs properly, checking that the equipment works, stock control and overseeing staff”.

As Total People Ltd already had candidates working at the practice, it was almost automatic that Kieran was enrolled onto an Oral Healthcare Apprenticeship. His training programme was arranged by his Total People Training Adviser, and in addition to full time work Kieran also attends a training course run by Total People one evening per week.

“Although I didn’t initially want to attend classes in the evening, the Total People training courses are really well run and help my understanding”.

Kieran has mild dyslexia but this has not hindered him in any way. “My Total People Training Adviser is very encouraging and offers me extra support whenever I need it. She is very positive and helpful”.

For the future, Kieran would like to focus on Practice Management. He would definitely recommend the Apprenticeship route to others “I think that the hands on experience is invaluable and earning real money at the same time is a definite bonus!”

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. As a dental nurse, you'll help a dentist in practice to look after patients before, during and after treatment. Administrative duties are also included in the role of a dental nurse, including appointments, bill payments and other matters.
You need to have good communication skills and enjoy being part of a team, whilst also being enthusiastic and willing to learn.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your individual learning plan.

Your training will require you to attend college for one evening a week. An assessor will visit you in the workplace to carry out observations and will arrange suitable time to guide you with your NVQ portfolio.

How long will it take?

The time taken to complete your NVQ depends upon you; how quickly you want to do it. However it normally takes around 18 months to complete.

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Dental Nursing Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent. Your work will be assessed at your place of work.

The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs however learning is focussed around Dental Nursing; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of equipment and how to make your proposal to your manager.

Further Progression

Being qualified will open many doors to you. You will be able to show your employer that, along with being qualified, you have also shown commitment, dedication and professionalism. This could lead to promotion, higher rates of pay, or managerial opportunities.
You will gain a nationally recognised qualification, work-based experience and the opportunity for progression in a dental-related career, as well as progression to higher qualifications, opening up further exciting opportunities.

 

 

 

 

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