Medical practice impressed with first apprentice

FROME Medical Practice has taken on its first  ever apprentice with the help of Somerset Skills & Learning.

Local woman Kaitlyn Meagor, aged 18, is now in her second month as an apprentice at the Frome Medical Practice and is on a training programme which includes working both as a receptionist and on the prescriptions desk.

The job entails having excellent people skills as well as good IT experience. As well as working at the practice, Kaitlyn also returns on a regular basis for further education at Somerset Skills & Learning, which managed to secure the position.

“Somerset Skills & Learning could not have been more supportive,” Kaitlyn said. “Everyone here at the Frome Medical Practice has also gone out of their way to make sure that I have all the backing and training that I need.”

Kaitlyn’s principle trainer and mentor is experienced receptionist and telephone operator Mel Thelwell.

Mel said, “With support from her colleagues, Kaitlyn has shown real maturity in dealing face to face with patients in sometimes distressing and stressful circumstances. She has been a pleasure to have on the team.”

The appointment of an apprentice is a first for the Frome Medical Practice, but may not be the last.

Senior partner Dr Helen Kingston said, “We have all been very impressed with how Kaitlyn has settled in and quickly adjusted to a very demanding work environment.

“I would like to thank Somerset Skills & Learning for the help and assistance they have given and indeed continue to give us.

“Kaitlyn’s apprenticeship ends at the beginning of 2018 when she will qualify with a Level 2 in Business Administration, but I would certainly like to think that Kaitlyn has a future with us and we would then be looking to offer a further apprenticeship opportunity to our local school-leavers.”