Monday, 11 April 2011

David Rae-Clarke - Assistant Technical Officer for Pathology at Peterborough City Hospital

When I got offered the Assistant Technical Officer position I felt as if I had won the lottery as the position was directly in the field of work that I wanted to go into.

Before hearing about the position, I had all but given up hope of finding a job working in a laboratory and felt that the only option left for me was seasonal work in the retail industry. Upon hearing that I had received the position, I was delighted and promised myself to make the most of the experience.

My role within the laboratory consists of me labelling, booking in, loading and unloading samples. Restocking and replacing items. Sterilising the work areas and equipment. Finding samples for more tests.

For the first week I was very nervous when I wasn’t being supervised and could hardly remember any of the scientist’s names. I would return home form work tired but happy. Nevertheless, I very quickly began to feel like part of the group, talking and joking more with the other scientist.

My supervisor (Jayne) has been continually supportive of me throughout my placement. She has made sure that I was never given tasks that she knew I couldn’t carry out and made sure to keep my work challenging.

This scheme is ideal for unemployed people who are enthusiastic about starting a career but have no or little work experience. The support you get both in the work place and from The Future Job Fund has been fantastic. As well as that, I have had the opportunity to undergo training programmes such as First Aid and Health and Safety. The scheme has made me far more confident about myself and my future.