DCG Success Stories

Derby and Derbyshire Local Medial Committee (DDLMC) and General Practice Task Force Derbyshire (GPTF) is delighted with the contribution its two administrative apprentices are making to its busy organisation.

Viktoria and Ola, who are training via Derby College Group, assist DDLMC and GPTF in supporting the operations and delivering projects that support primary care in Derby and Derbyshire.

Ola has progressed from level 2 to level 3 and both she and Viktoria are due to complete their apprenticeships this summer.

Laura Bentley, project co-ordinator at GPTF said she was very pleased with their progress.

She said: “Ola originally joined us as business admin apprentice but now works on the projects side.

“She is the first point of contact for GP Retention support and for the Derbyshire Education Network.

“Ola works with me on projects, ensuring all education sessions run seamlessly.

“She handles the planning, delegate registration and feedback aspects.

“Viktoria support our business functions and is our first point of contact for ‘office’. She deals with inbox inquiries and puts together our weekly newsletter.

“She also recently helped administer Derby Medical Chambers, assisting GPs to find much sought-after locums for their practices.

“Both work hard and bring a fresh approach to the way we do things.”

GPTF, funded by NHS England, is essentially a project support arm for general practice and primary care.

It delivers support to individual GPs, GP trainees and Practice Managers (PMs) throughout their working lives.

Its aim is to build supported networks of GPs and PMs, advertising opportunities and flexible careers, supporting wellbeing and above all ensuring, the workforce feels valued.

Laura added: “DCG has delivered our apprenticeships for four years now and it’s going well.

“We chose Derby College because it’s our local FE college. It’s well organised and, because of its size, has a bigger network than other training providers.

“We also like DCG’s portal which can be accessed by employer, assessor and apprentice. It keeps everyone up to date and is a useful resource.”

Ola and Viktoria are assessed in the workplace and take study time out to prepare for their presentations and their exams

Laura added: “We’ve all been working remotely since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“It’s been a challenge but I speak to Ola every day and we are  hopeful of returning to our Friar Gate office once a week from March.”

GPTF is now making plans to take on another apprentice via the college later this year.