Update
Some of the language used around the work-based assessments has been updated since these webinars were recorded. Competencies are now called training activities and OCEs are now Observed Communication Events. We have published standards for carrying out work-based assessment.
Tips and advice for STP trainees
Kade Flowers, an STP Clinical Biochemistry graduate, talks about being a trainee and how to make your time on the programme a success.
This video features Kade Flowers talking about his experiences on the STP Clinical Biochemistry programme.
Tips and advice for HSST trainees
Dr Jan Taylor, a Clinical Bioinformatician, talks about the benefits of being a trainee on the HSST programme.
Dr Jan Taylor, Clinical Bioinformatician discusses the benefits of the HSST.
Advice from STP graduates to current STP trainees
Each year we ask our graduates what advice they would give to new trainees about how to make the programme a success. We’ve summarised some of the key things that they came back with.
Your training officer and colleagues
- Organise weekly catch-ups with your training officer or a colleague to keep on track with e-portfolio work.
- Sit down with your training officer early on and outline a clear training plan, including a timeline with goals to help you track your progress.
- Make sure colleagues in your department respect the fact that you are supernumerary; you need time for academic and e-portfolio work.
- Talk to your colleagues about the STP and what clinical learning you need to complete; this will allow you to do more advanced clinical work.
- Be assertive with your training officer; they are there to support your training and give you the support and guidance you need.
- Make sure your training officer has been on a ‘Train the Trainer’ course; this will directly benefit you by helping them to make the most of the role.
Personal organisation and time management
- Time can be a scarce resource so be efficient by planning when you will work on various aspects of the programme.
- Be proactive in organising workplace activities that will help you to complete training activities and your own training objectives.
- Get into the habit of completing training activities as you go; this will leave more time for other opportunities and obligations later in the programme.
Making the most of the programme
- Try to get as much out of your rotations as possible; be confident, ask lots of questions and make contacts.
- Raise any issues or concerns you have about your training with your training officer or Head of Department and the School so that they can support you.
- Network with fellow trainees whenever you can and discuss your experiences; this can help you to put your training in perspective.
- Find out who your trainee representatives are and get them to raise any negative aspects of your experience on the programme.
- Don’t be afraid to chase your university tutors for feedback and ask them questions so that you are clear on how to complete assignments.
Personal development and career opportunities
- Take advantage of the range of opportunities that will come your way such as giving presentations and attending conferences and STEM fairs.
- Organise opportunities outside of your department as early as you can to gain a broader range of clinical experiences.
- Look at job roles, think about the skills you will need after graduating and look for opportunities to gain relevant experience as you go through the programme.
- Reach out to other NHS institutions if you need to gain experience or knowledge that your host centre can’t provide.