As a panellist for the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour, Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours student Zahra Arefa has shared her University of Westminster - Great Ormond Street Hospital apprenticeship experience with school students to inspire them to live up to their full potential.
Zahra is in the second year of her Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship at the University of Westminster through which she will receive an Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours degree. Zahra is currently completing her course at Great Ormond Street Hospital as an Associate Practitioner apprentice.
After her successful first panel appearance in 2023, Zahra was invited back as a panellist on this year’s BBC Bitesize Careers Tour, which is an interactive event visiting over 110,000 secondary schools across the UK to introduce pupils to a range of careers. Zahra was one of three panellists from a range of backgrounds to inspire young people about their future career options. Zahra appeared on panels at Queens Park Community School and Wembley High Technology College to share her experience as an apprentice.
Zahra’s efforts also won her a nomination for the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 in the Health, Medical and Social Care category, where she went on to receive the Highly Commended award. This award aims to showcase talent and diversity within multicultural communities through the celebration of those working hard to overcome adversity to achieve their goals through apprenticeships.
About her time at Westminster so far Zahra said: “I joined the University of Westminster in 2023 as an apprentice from Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Enzyme department. I am currently on the Applied Biomedical Science Apprenticeship course and my university experience has been incredibly positive. The welcoming environment and supportive instructors have been instrumental in my journey. I am able to apply my scientific knowledge to real-life scenarios at work, enhancing my professional and academic skills.”
She added: “This year, I was honoured to be invited on the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour. As a panellist, I engaged with students from schools across England, assisting with educational and career development. Recently, I was grateful to receive the Highly Commended award for Health, Medical and Social Care at the 2024 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards. It is a privilege to represent the University of Westminster, and I am excited to continue my journey towards becoming a registered biomedical scientist.”
Dr Anjali Ghosh, Course Leader for the Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours apprenticeship route, commented: “I have known Zahra Arefa in the capacity of her course leader and would very proudly highlight her accomplishments. Zahra has showcased her enthusiasm and commitment from the very beginning of her journey at Westminster, and her eagerness to join the programme and dedication to her studies have always been evident. Her hard work and passion set her apart as an exemplary member of our learner community.”
Dr Ghosh continued: “In addition to her academic achievements, Zahra is known for her collaborative approach and excellent calm and poised communication skills, qualities that enrich the university environment and contribute to her success. Westminster looks forward to supporting her continued growth and success in the remaining years of her programme.”
Westminster apprenticeships contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Westminster.
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