MSc Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship
We are delighted to welcome you as a workplace mentor on the MSc Diagnostic Radiographer programme. In your role, you will have an interest in overseeing and supporting the apprentice to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard. You will also be a guide, support, critical friend, sounding board, confidante, information giver and role model.
On this page:
Programme Overview
The MSc Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship is a Level 7 programme that combines academic learning with practical workplace experience. Here's what you need to know:
- For graduates holding a BSc (Hons) or BEng (Hons) degree-seeking an accelerated route into Diagnostic Radiography
- Designed in collaboration with partners to deliver evidence-based practice to gain clinical competence with a focus on holistic compassionate care, this MSc ‘fast track’ Degree Apprenticeship builds upon our well-established BSc programme
- Apprentices will undertake extensive workplace learning and practice within their imaging department, underpinned by a strongly academic programme delivered through blended learning
- Full access to our recently upgraded imaging facilities including X-ray room and clinical skills laboratories
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IfATE) apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
This programme is intended to:
- Provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in diagnostic radiography.
- Develop their competence in applying clinical skills to the practice of radiography.
- Develop their critical and analytical powers in relation to diagnostic radiography.
- Provide them with the skills to adapt and respond positively to change.
- Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and transferable skills to prepare you for graduate employment.
- Enhance the development of their interpersonal skills and inter-professional working.
- Assist them to develop the skills required for both autonomous practice and team-working.
- Provide education and training that is approved by the Society & College of Radiographers and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Provide education and training that aligns with the Diagnostic Radiographer (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Occupational Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
There will be :
- Opportunities for them to engage with a range of advanced concepts and applications, drawing upon the specialist expertise of the academic staff.
- Regular and frequent e-learning support from staff with the appropriate teaching skills and experience, including either current activity in high-level research or clinical expertise.
An environment which is caring and supportive in both academic and pastoral aspects and which will encompass an appropriate range of teaching methods broadening the learning experience.
Meet the Team
At the heart of the Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship (DRDA) programme is a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting both mentors and apprentices throughout their journey. Our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for developing future healthcare professionals.
Nirosha Holton
Email: n.a.holton@exeter.ac.uk
Nirosha oversees the CMDA programme, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. With many years’ experiences in management education, she is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for both mentors and apprentices.
Programme Lead - Jenny Shepherd - Jenny.Shepherd@exeter.ac.uk
Workplace Operational Lead - Julie Mills - J.A.Mills@exeter.ac.uk
Degree Apprenticeship Compliance Lead - Lucy Banfield - L.R.Banfield@exeter.ac.uk
Our Academic Mentors are dedicated to supporting apprentices in navigating the apprenticeship components of the DRDA programme. They play a crucial role in guiding apprentices through the process of compiling their portfolio of evidence, which showcases their learning and development throughout the programme.
Academic Mentors work closely with apprentices to ensure that they understand the requirements for their portfolios, helping them to document their experiences, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate the competencies gained in the workplace. By providing ongoing support and feedback, our Academic Mentors empower apprentices to effectively articulate their achievements and prepare for their End-Point Assessment (EPA). Their focus on practical application and real-world experiences is essential in helping apprentices succeed in their management roles.
Academic Mentors
Vicky Handy - V.Handy2@exeter.ac.uk
Roby Lane - R.L.Lane@exeter.ac.uk
Lucy Harbinson - L.D.Harbinson@exeter.ac.uk
Alex Kirk - A.Doyle2@exeter.ac.uk
Patrick Coniam-Gudka - p.f.coniam@exeter.ac.uk
Sii Luxford-Wragg - s.a.wragg@exeter.ac.uk
Amad Al-Azzawi - a.al-azzawi@exeter.ac.uk
Education Support Administrator - health.apprenticeships.support@exeter.ac.uk
Christina Gkatzioli - Employer Partnership Officer - c.gkatzioli@exeter.ac.uk
Your Commitment Matters
Each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that mentors have the resources and support they need to guide apprentices effectively. We believe that a strong mentor-apprentice relationship is key to the success of the DRDA programme, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or for additional support. Together, we can make a significant impact on the professional growth of our apprentices.
Key Information and Events
Staying informed about important dates and events is crucial for effectively supporting your apprentice throughout their DRDA journey. Below are the key milestones and events for the current academic year. Please note that specific dates may vary slightly for individual apprentices based on their start date.
Initial Contact and Meeting
Shortly after the apprentice's induction, the Academic Mentor will contact you as the Workplace Mentor to arrange an initial meeting with you. While this meeting is not compulsory, it is highly recommended as it provides an excellent opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the apprenticeship journey.
This initial meeting allows all parties to:
- Introduce themselves and clarify their roles
- Discuss expectations for the apprenticeship
- Address any initial questions or concerns
- Begin building a collaborative relationship
As a Workplace Mentor, your role in supporting your apprentice's development is crucial. There may be times when concerns arise about an apprentice's performance or progress. It's important to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the apprentice and the apprenticeship programme.
Recognising Performance Challenges
When an apprentice is struggling, the Academic Mentor will typically notify you via email as part of the escalation process. This communication will outline the specific concerns regarding the apprentice's performance, such as:
- Consistently missing deadlines
- Poor quality of work
- Lack of engagement in learning activities
- Failure to meet off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements
- Difficulties in applying learning to workplace tasks
Your Role in Addressing Concerns
Upon receiving notification from the Academic Mentor regarding performance challenges, your first step should be to meet with the apprentice to discuss the issues raised. Here’s how to approach this:
- Arrange a meeting: schedule a private meeting with your apprentice to discuss the concerns outlined in the Academic Mentor's email
- Ascertain the problem: use this opportunity to understand the extent of the problem; encourage your apprentice to share their perspective and any challenges they may be facing
- Explore solutions: collaborate with your apprentice to identify potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges
- Create an action plan: work together to develop a clear, achievable action plan that includes specific goals and timelines for improvement
- Follow up: schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide ongoing support as needed
- Document the process: keep records of your meetings, the agreed-upon actions, and the apprentice's progress
Seeking Additional Support
If you need clarification or further assistance:
- Consult with the Academic Mentor: if you have questions about the situation or need more information about the apprenticeship requirements, reach out to the Academic Mentor for guidance
- Escalation process: if the performance issues persist despite your interventions, or if you encounter a problem that you feel unable to resolve, inform the Academic Mentor
Preventive Measures
To help prevent performance issues:
- Maintain regular check-ins with your apprentice, such as weekly or bi-weekly meetings
- Provide timely feedback on their work and progress
- Ensure they have adequate time and resources for their OTJ training
- Encourage open communication about any challenges they're facing
Remember, your primary role in addressing concerns is to support your apprentice's success in the programme. By taking a proactive, supportive approach and addressing issues early, you can help your apprentice overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Upcoming training dates will soon be released.
Mentor Training Resources
Mentor Training Resources
This section offers a curated collection of valuable resources, including comprehensive handbooks, informative infographics, and recordings of training sessions. Whether you are a seasoned mentor or just starting out, these tools will help you enhance your mentoring skills and support your mentees effectively.
Resources
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Jenny Shepherd
Email: Jenny.Shepherd@exeter.ac.uk
