GMS apprentice of the year 2021

Kate Trouse, Medical Engineering Apprentice, has been recognised as Gloucestershire Managed Services Apprentice of the Year 2021. We spoke to Kate about what it means to be an apprentice with GMS.

What made you pursue an apprenticeship?

I’ve always been more of a practical, hands-on person rather than academically driven. My apprenticeship offers a good balance of both with the security of a steady wage.

Why Medical Engineering?

I moved to Cheltenham with the aim of starting where I left off as my previous job was in Clinical Engineering.

I previously worked in the Equipment Library in Addenbrookes hospital with the aim to move up to a trainee role in Clinical Engineering. Addenbrookes is a busy 1000 bed training hospital, which prepared me well for my role here as you often have to be bold when interacting with staff or scenarios that I imagine might be intimidating to new staff.

There is a great deal of pride and security working for the NHS – knowing that what you do directly assists patient care is a great feeling.

Can you tell me a bit about what you do?

We service and repair all manner of medical equipment for the both the Trust and private customers, so no two days are the same. Find out more about a day in the life of medical engineering

What’s the bit that you enjoy the most about your job? Does anyone in particular inspire you?

I enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together. I’m secretly happy when equipment comes in damaged as it’ll be a fun challenge repairing it.

Ben Iles has a great work ethic and always has time for other people. I don’t think I’ve ever had a question he can’t answer! I’d also like to say thank you to the whole team for being continually supportive.

What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship?

It’s a great way of getting trained on the job and makes you part of a skilled and diverse workforce who will support you throughout your studies. Studying while working also gives you more real life experience and saves on university fees!

Where do you see your career taking you in the future?

The past couple of years have taught me that my skills might be more interpersonal than technical so I’d like to pursue a managerial role in engineering.