Trainee Behaviour Analyst roles are rare in the UK. Skybound have been running this model successfully for a few years now. Back in 2019, I joined up as Skybound’s first ‘apprentice’. Three months into the role, I wrote the following thoughts for our Facebook page.
October 2019 – 3 months of being a Trainee Behaviour Analyst
“3 months ago, I started my journey of being ‘the apprentice’.
So far, there’s been no two days the same, which has enabled me to start developing a flexible mind when working with the clients, their needs, skills and behaviour. I have loved seeing how every programme is individualised, the variety of programmes that have been implemented and how the programmes all follow the science of behaviour.
I am currently gaining quality experience and learning to look at the bigger picture in situations. I am being tested and challenged every day in various ways that allow me to develop crucial skills that will help me during my career as a behaviour analyst.
I have had the opportunity to use my Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification with clients and have developed some swimming programmes for some clients. My biggest lesson so far during this is adapting instructions that I deliver to the clients to ensure they understand what is expected of them. I have loved seeing how many children with autism are learning to swim or can swim and that parents understand why it is important for anybody to be able to swim.
I already have gained so much more in-depth knowledge about ABA in practice. Although I have still so much to learn, and will continue to learn even when I’m qualified, I love what I do, I love being part of Skybound and I look forward to meeting and working with so many other individuals.”
A lot has happened since then, so here’s an update on what it’s like working for Skybound 3 years on.
July 2022
“This time two years ago, I was up early every morning revising for the BCBA exam! The best thing about revising for the exam was that I had observed so many clients that I could really start to understand the science, because I had seen it in practice. At the end of the exam, the lady handed over the piece of paper with a smile and I knew right then that I had passed. All the hard work, early mornings and late nights had paid off.
Since qualifying, I’ve worked as a consultant in Wales and England, in homes and in schools, and I really do love it! It fills me with so much pride and joy to know that what we do makes such a difference in people’s lives. I have gained qualifications in Talktools, Feeding Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Skybound continue to provide me with opportunities – by giving me time to shadow senior BCBA’s, complete courses and attend meetings to brainstorm ideas with other BCBA’s.
Being a trainee has allowed me to gain so much experience and knowledge in the field. I sometimes wonder where I would have been today without Skybound and the apprentice role. If you would like high-quality supervision and want to learn how to apply the science to any situation, then grab this opportunity with both hands!”
