Clinical Engineering Apprentice (Clinical Engineering)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary
We have created an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Clinical Engineering Apprentice to work in the Clinical Engineering section of the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department within the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.  
 
The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard – Control and Technical Support Engineer and will undergo a 4-year Engineering Technician Apprenticeship program of work-based learning combined with academic courses at Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) and Birmingham City University (BCU). The successful completion of which will include Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, in year 1. A Foundation Degree in Electronic Engineering- Instrumentation and Control in year 2. In year 3 & 4, the apprentice will study at BCU to achieve a BEng in Electronic Engineering. Depending on the route of the successful candidate this may lead to a future progressive pathway within Clinical Engineering. 

Work-based learning will consist of spending time in all the 9 Clinical Engineering Sections at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (including West Park Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital) and at Walsall Healthcare Trust, where they will gain experience and training, working alongside our experienced Clinical Technologists. The apprentice will also be expected to complete an extensive logbook, evidencing their skills, knowledge, and work-based experience. The completion of the logbook will help support the apprentice in their application to become a member on the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) and serve to evidence Continuous Professional Development (CPD) post qualification.
 
Applicants must hold a minimum GCSE Maths and English Language Grade C/4 and above (or equivalent). Level 3 qualification in a relevant Engineering subject, (i.e. BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma) or A levels in Maths and a Science subject is required. All successful candidates will be offered a position conditionally, subject to achieving the required grades alongside mandatory checks (e.g. Disclosure and Barring Service, references, and Occupational Health).
 
A provision of the post is that the successful candidate must be prepared to travel to BMet (James Watt Campus) 3 times a week in year 1, and once a week in year 2. In year 3 & 4 they must be prepared to travel to BCU (Millennium Point Campus), once a week. They will also be expected to attend medical device manufacturer and developmental courses which are not always available onsite, as well as spending time with our community team who work on external sites. Therefore, although it is not essential, a valid driving licence will be beneficial.

The recruitment process will involve a tabletop/practical assessment and interview.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

To be managerially and technically responsible to the Professional Technical Development Manager. 

To be committed to making full use of the academic and practical opportunities the post offers, to gain the qualifications and skills needed to become a Clinical Technologist.

To observe, learn and assist, under supervision, in the full range of work of the Clinical Engineering Department, for the purpose of becoming competent in electronic and engineering activities. This work will include medical device safety for patients and staff, planned preventative/corrective maintenance, inventory management, medical device lifecycle management, acceptance and safety testing, medical device decommissioning, assistance in maintenance of records, equipment evaluation, development, and audit.

To progress towards acquiring the academic knowledge and practical skills necessary to complete medical device maintenance work with reducing supervision, completing the Clinical Apprentice Logbook, feedback and reflective forms as required, to support CPD evidence and RCT registration.

To ensure that any cleaning, calibration, safety checks and maintenance of medical devices and test equipment is carried out as instructed and in strict compliance with agreed instructions, maintaining accurate records of work undertaken.

To follow department technical procedures and safety standards applicable to medical devices and immediately report any matters which may affect staff or patient safety to a qualified Clinical Technologist.

Work-based learning will consist of spending time in all the 9 Clinical Engineering Sections at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (including West Park Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital) and at Walsall Healthcare Trust, where they will gain experience and training, working alongside our experienced Clinical Technologists.

To participate, as appropriate to AFC banding/job role, in relevant training given by manufacturers and technical staff.

To understand the need to respond quickly and efficiently to all requests regarding medical devices, exercising own judgment in escalating to the appropriate clinical technologist. 

To conform to all Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (MPCE) safe working practices, and departmental policies and procedures. This includes working to the departmental Quality Management Systems (QMS).

To establish good working relationships with all technical, clinical and support staff that the apprentice will interact with.

This Job Description is a guide to the tasks involved with the post and is not exhaustive.