Embarking on a Noble Journey: The Path to Becoming a Level 6 Therapeutic Radiographer Apprentice

The transition to a career in health care is very complex, and not only does it give you professional opportunity but also the chance to make an impact on people’s lives. In this digital apprenticeship, you will have the opporuntity to acquire a multitude of skills. One of the best apprenticeships you can undertake, you will not only further your career, but be playing a vital part in the healthcare industry. The role of a therapeutic radiologist offers an unusual combination of scientific, skill and human qualities to those who are passionate about both technology and compassionate care. We’re going to look at the intriguing world of therapeutic radiographer training in this blog post, and we are going to take a close look at exciting aspects of these noble professions. You’re daily duties will typically consist of the following:

  • External beam radiotherapy, a method for delivering a beam, or several beams, of high energy X-rays to cancer cells
  • Brachytherapy, a form of radiotherapy where a sealed radiation source, eg in a needle or tube, is placed inside or next to cancer cells
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery which delivers multiple beams of focused radiation
  • Proton therapy, a type of particle therapy that uses a beam of protons to deliver a radiation dose to cancer cells
  • Superficial skin radiotherapy, which uses X-rays or electrons to deliver a radiation dose to cancer cells.

Being a Therapeutic Radiographer is a nobel profession to undertake. It will entail forming many intimate relationships with those in your care, requiring you to maintain a level of professionailsm and empathy throughout. Here are a few pointers to bare in mind of how to best conduct yourself:

  • Practise safely and effectively within the scope of practice and within the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession.
  • Look after own health and wellbeing, seeking appropriate support where necessary.
  • Practise as an autonomous professional, exercising professional judgement.
  • Practise in a non-discriminatory and inclusive manner recognising the impact of culture, equality and diversity.
  • Communicate effectively, maintaining confidentiality and records appropriately.
  • Work appropriately with others.

Required Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other mandatory qualifications

BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography or (where the apprentice already holds a level 6 honours degree) a pre-registration MSc in Therapeutic Radiography approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Duration (months):

36

Skills You Will Develop

  • Identify the limits of own practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date. Z
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.

What Will You Achieve

Within 36 months you will achieve the Level 6 Diploma in Therapeutic Radiography.

Conclusion

Embarking on a Therapeutic Radiographer apprenticeship is not just a career choice; it’s a commitment to excellence, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. You’ve got yourself on a beautiful journey that will change the life of those who need it most, as you try to balance technology and humanity. Be ready to embark on a journey combining innovativeness, empathy and the possibility of being an important role model in health care.

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Level 6 Apprenticeship – Ordnance Munitions & Explosives

The technical, engineering, and scientific world. Doing lab research, making new products and everything in between. Does this sound like it’s for you? OME Professionals have important jobs that encompass all of these things. A career in Ordnance Munitions and Explosives, through an apprenticeship allows you paths into offers diverse opportunities in different sectors, such as defence, chemical, military, and more. Read on to find out more about this Level 6 degree apprenticeship, and how it could provide a smooth transition into the industry for you!

Entry Requirements

Every employer sets their specific criteria, although, given the job’s nature, it’s likely that you’ll need to be a minimum of 18 years old, as well as a likely requirement of three A-Levels, including Maths. Certain employers may consider alternative qualifications or relevant experience.

What Does an OME Apprentice Do?

Each specialization option within the apprenticeship program offers unique technical knowledge and skills. Over time, you will acquire the skills to interpret data, apply effective research methods, and collaborate successfully. You will have the chance to design efficient OME manufacturing processes, with a strong emphasis on the quality and safety of the products, alongside maintaining a steadfast commitment to the highest safety standards while offering technical advice to both internal and external customers.
Your core knowledge will include essential concepts related to safety, security, environmental considerations, materials science, and more. You must demonstrate the ability to implement safety measures, identify areas for improvement, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Specialisation 1 : Research and Development Professional

As a Research and Development professional, you will need to solve challenges involving chemicals and formulations. You will need to stay updated on OME research and related fields, which will help in your decision making and management, documenting these processes for complex energetics programs, ensuring you adhere to standards and meet customer needs.
You will understand the breadth of OME studies, including propellant behavior, casing integrity, design, safety, emerging technologies, such a 3D printing, system thinking, and diverse research methods, which will help to advance the field.

Apprentices undertaking this option could typically be employed in these roles within the sector: 

  • Research and development Scientist/Engineer
  • Product Engineer/Designer
  • Explosives Chemist
  • Analytical Instrumentation
  • Industrial Explosives Chemist
  • Ballistician
  • Energetic Research Scientists
  • Terminal Effects Designer

Specialisation 2 : Safety Professional

As a Safety Professional, your job will be to enhance safety through audits and inspections. Your role will involve offering guidance on safety matters and how that can be used to facilitate safety education. You will take part in incident investigations to pinpoint root causes and distribute relevant lessons learned. Next, you will be responsible for the development and review of safety documents to uphold a culture of best safety practices.
You will gain proficiency in the safe management of OME hazards, enabling you to assess the severity of situations within OME facilities. This knowledge will empower you to effectively apply relevant regulations and industry best practices. This knowledge will allow you to oversee facility operations and infrastructure. From this, you will become familiar with addressing licensing and emergency planning, implementing safety management systems, and recognising the human impact on operations.

Apprentices undertaking this option could typically be employed in these roles within the sector: 

  •  Decontamination officer
  • Range Safety Officer
  • Explosive Safety Representative
  • Safety Advisor
  • Safety Manager
  • Training & Assessment Officer
  • Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
  • Transport Manager
  • Custody Holder
  • Magazine Manager

Specialisation 3 : Manufacturing and Processing Professional

Manufacturing and Processing Professionals are responsible for ensuring safe and precise production of OME products, using efficient design tools and metrics to establish and ensure process capability. Overseeing compliant manufacturing processes, by using engineering and chemistry principles to promote safety and efficiency. Collaboration with other experts is crucial for optimising OME production, considering the product’s entire lifecycle, and ensuring safety throughout.
Your technical knowledge will include an understanding of OME product critical features, process requirements, and design options, evaluation and selection of the right design choice from various options using multi-criteria analysis, all of which will allow you to gain an understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes. Ultimately, ensuring a balance between workplace and product safety and maintaining quality throughout the OME lifecycle.

Apprentices undertaking this option could typically be employed in these roles within the sector: 

  • Product Engineer / Designer / Operator
  • Manufacturing/Process Engineer
  • Quality Assurance/Control Engineer
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Process Design Engineer, chemist or modeller

To summarise this, completing a level 6 OME Apprenticeship can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a prosperous career in this industry. This career path allows you to leverage your unique personal attributes.
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Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 6)

Worm’s eye view of contemporary, glass high-rise buildings

Are you excited by the idea of designing, installing and maintaining building services, like lighting and heating? Does infrastructure interest you? If this sounds up your street, read on to find out how the degree-level Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship may be a great route to a new career.

Chapters

How the level 6 Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship works

The Building Services Design engineer apprenticeship teaches an apprentice the skills needed to design the various services found in buildings and infrastructure projects.

Duration of apprenticeship

Typically 60-66 months (5-5½ years), depending on the apprentice’s previous experience.

What a Building Services Design Engineer job entails

A Building Services Design Engineer manages a team of engineers and technicians. They work with other construction professionals to design, maintain and install various services found in buildings and infrastructure projects.

The engineers work typically include the following:

  • Renewable and emerging technologies
  • Energy management
  • Heating
  • Ventilation
  • Air conditioning
  • Lighting
  • Power
  • Water services
  • Building transportation (e.g. lifts), and more!

Buildings and infrastructure can vary from newly built premises to the refurbishment of older facilities, for every sector of industry.

Building Services Design Engineers will undertake both the technical and commercial management of projects using engineering design solutions to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment and community.

They employ current and emerging technology to produce innovative engineering design solutions for development, manufacture and construction.

Career options with a level 6 Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship

Building services design engineers may work for a design consultancy, a contractor or a manufacturing company.

Salary

There are plenty of opportunities to earn an above-average salary in this field.

  • Starting salaries for a graduate building services design engineer average between a respectable £26000 to £28000.
  • More experienced design engineers earn on average a salary of around £40000, with more senior engineers earning above £55000.
  • Partners or highly experiences building services design engineers with chartered status may earn over £80000. Engineers in larger international consultancies can earn over £110000 a year.

TIP: Having chartered status also increases your pay level.

Entry requirements

Apprenticeship candidates will usually have at least three A levels at Grades A*-C including Mathematics and Physical Science or their equivalent.

Alternatively, they can complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Building Services Design Technician.

Qualifications gained with a Level 6 Building Service Design Engineers Apprenticeship

Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship learner looks at plans on laptop
A Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship will teach you a wealth of skills

With this level 6 apprenticeship, successful apprentices will earn a BSc or BEng building services degree with accreditation by the relevant professional engineering institution.

NOTE: Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths must achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship structure

The Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship is divided into three parts:

  • Approximately Month 0-60: Recommended on programme assessment through
    • Assignments
    • Projects
    • Portfolio of evidence
    • Development reviews
    • Examinations
  • Around Month 60: Gateway

Satisfactory completion of knowledge skills and behaviours including an accredited building services degree. Level 2 in Maths & English must be achieved. At this point, the application for the End Point Assessment (EPA) is confirmed by your employer.

  • Two months before expected end date: End Point Assessment
    • Presentation and questioning on the research assignment
    • Structured interview informed by the Engineering Practice Report
    • Assessment by assessors appointed by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution

You pass if you achieve the above. You’re then registered as an Incorporated Engineer

[Source: Open Government Licence for public sector information]

Key learnings

As mentioned above in part one of the apprenticeship, there are core learnings that the apprentice must develop and demonstrate during their apprenticeship. These divide into knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Knowledge

A Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship needs an in-depth knowledge of:

  • Mathematical, scientific and engineering principles and methods. These are important because they underpin the design of complex building services systems.  
  • Digital solutions to model, design, analyse and evaluate building service systems.
  • Research techniques to improve how business services systems perform.
  • Quality standards, codes of practice, legal and regulatory frameworks. These govern the design of building services systems, in reference to health, safety and welfare and environmental impact.
  • Principles and techniques of whole life evaluation in the design of building engineering services systems. These consider account critical constraints like due concern for safety and sustainability.
  • Principles and techniques of effective project management. These include resources, cost and risk assessment.
  • How to manage teams and develop staff to meet shifting technical and managerial needs.
  • Effective communication effectively through reports, drawings, specifications and presentations. This includes how to explain design principles with both technical and non-technical people.
  • Dealing fairly and honestly when selection suppliers or contractors. This includes fair reviewing of tenders when making recommendations for award of contracts.

Skills

A Building Services Design Engineer will be able to do the following:

  • Use a solid, evidence-based approach to problem solving. These will lead to developing building services engineering design solutions to enhance the quality of the environment and community, and meet client, financial and safety objectives.
  • Identify, review and select the best way to design complex building services systems and components.
  • Champion the continuous improvement of the design of building services systems and components. This includes using latest industry developments and best practice and taking part in design reviews and evaluation.
  • Manage and apply safe systems of work. This includes being responsible for own obligations for health, safety and welfare issues, assessing and controlling risk, working with health, safety and welfare legislation and best practice.
  • Manage the planning, budgeting and organisation of tasks, people and resources Achieve this via the following:
    •  Appropriate management systems
    • Working to agreed quality standards, project programme and budget
    • Working within legal, contractual and statutory requirements
  • Manage teams and develop staff to meet shifting technical or managerial needs.
  • Communicate effectively through reports, drawings, specifications, presentations and discussions. Be able to do so with both technical and non-technical people.
  • Complete and document continuing profession development, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and competence as a building services design engineer.

Behaviours

A great Building Services Design Engineer will:

  • Have compassion and be perceptive. They are aware of the needs and concerns of others, especially in terms of diversity and equality
  • Show they’re reliable
  • Have integrity
  • Respect confidentiality
  • Be confident and adaptable when dealing with new or changing interpersonal situations
  • Create, retain and develop productive working relationships.
  • Have a strong commitment to health, safety and welfare.
  • Show personal commitment to professional and ethical standards
  • Recognize their obligation to society, the profession and the environment
  • Take responsibility for personal development, committing to learning and self-improvement
  • Be open to feedback

Although some of these components may feel unfamiliar, after completing the apprenticeship they will become second nature!

Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 6 Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship is a fantastic avenue into an interesting, well-paid career. The ability to upskill and earn as you learn, in a varied role makes it a great option for anyone who loves learning and wants a job that’s far from boring. You’ll be sure to leave with a wealth of invaluable skills that will take your career to the next level.

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