From heart surgery to a management apprenticeship, Abdul explains how an apprenticeship with Damar was the next stepping stone in his career.
Abdul, a 48-year-old who was born in Saudi Arabia, grew up in Lebanon and moved to the UK in 2013, is a cardiac surgeon at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Hoping to become a medical director in the future, Abdul took the step to complete a level 5 management apprenticeship with Damar. It has enabled him to network, improve his qualifications and demonstrate evidence of his managerial skills.
Managing responsibilities
Abdul trained for many years to become a cardiac surgeon, and since joining the NHS has built his portfolio by taking on more responsibilities. He manages junior doctors, and is a consultant for major trauma and a recruitment manager. Adding an apprenticeship to his already busy schedule was a challenge, but he was eager to build on his existing skills and qualifications.
He said: “I feel very fortunate that in the UK, NHS training courses like the management apprenticeship are funded. Without this funding I wouldn’t have been able to better my qualifications – I have a family who rely on my income so pausing work isn’t an option for me.
“However, studying for the apprenticeship while working is difficult and you really have to manage your time. Working in the NHS is demanding and some jobs just can’t be pushed back, but it was worth it to gain a great qualification and it’s an achievement I’m really proud of.
“You just have to remember that this is another stepping stone closer to where you want to be.”
Transferable skills
Abdul says that the apprenticeship also improved his networking skills. He said: “I really wanted to learn how to network and to make connections because this is an important skill to have as I develop my career and reach my goals.”
“The Damar workshops definitely helped me with this. I met so many people who all had different jobs, were different ages and lived in different parts of the country. It improved my communication skills massively, as well as my confidence when speaking in a room of different people.”
New ways to study
The last time Abdul studied was back when he was a student of medicine in Lithuania. His experience as an apprentice was different, and he found that the technology involved very interesting.
“I am not the current Gen Z type. When I studied at school and at university I only used textbooks, never computers. I had to print my work out and hand it in, whereas now everything is completed online.
“I really liked this part of it. It was a new experience and I found it amusing how much things have changed, but Damar supported me with it and I enjoyed the new process.”
Management apprenticeships
Abdul’s case study shows how management apprenticeships can support the development of leaders and managers in diverse sectors and roles, beyond business and professional services. If you think a management apprenticeship could support your development, or that of your team, you can find out more about our team leader and operations manager apprenticeships or get in touch with us today.