Katie is the first apprentice to go on to do a Level 4 Business and Administration apprenticeship, under the scheme at the University of Oxford.
Working as a Clinical Trials Support Officer for the Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU), Katie's main role is administration support for the Hub Team, this includes taking bookings for training, taking meeting minutes and keeping the OCTRU website up to date. Her role is varied and also includes assisting on some of the OCTRU trials with tasks such as entering patient data, checking incoming trial data for completeness and validity or support in event management.
I believe developing and applying your knowledge and skills on real projects in a workplace environment, whilst being paid, is a fantastic way to start a career.
- Katie Chegwin
Katie works regularly with the different groups that make up OCTRU, such as Oxford Trauma, RRIO and OCTO, and is right on track to achieving her Business and Administration qualifications whilst training and working on the job.
"This first year as an apprentice at OCTRU has given me problem-solving and time management skills, as well as a boost in my confidence and attitude to new projects. I'm very thankful to both my line manager, Emma Haines, and college tutor, Sonja, for the mentoring and supporting", says Katie.
She adds: "I believe developing and applying your knowledge and skills on real projects in a workplace environment, whilst being paid, is a fantastic way to start a career."
Having an apprentice in the team is a valuable experience for both the apprentice and the employer, as Katie's line manager, Emma Haines explains: "Katie has had an excellent first year with OCTRU and has become a very valued member of our team. Since joining OCTRU Katie's self-confidence has increased and she will happily take on any task she is asked to do and frequently uses her own initiative. Her friendly and helpful personality has made it a pleasure to support her in her Apprenticeship. Katie is a great example of how effective apprenticeships can be for both employer and learner and I am sure she will continue to grow and develop in her role and achieve her Level 4 diploma."
Level 3 of the Apprenticeship Scheme included four mandatory units plus a few optional ones, chosen by the apprentice with the line manager and the college assessor to ensure you can target both your employer's and your interests. Katie did her Level 3 at Abingdon and Witney College (going to college on day-release for a 10 week period) and will now do her Level 4 at Henley College (going to college once a month).
Find out more about apprenticeships with the University of Oxford here and in Oxfordshire here.
