Apprentice testimonials

Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship – alum testimonial:

What motivated you to enrol on to the Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship?   

I was motivated to enrol on the Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship because it offered the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and become a registered healthcare professional. The apprenticeship route suited me perfectly, as I had not pursued further education immediately after leaving school. By the time I decided that a career as a Pharmacy Technician was right for me, I had existing responsibilities and commitments, so being able to work and earn while studying was ideal. Additionally, gaining practical, on-the-job experience alongside my studies allowed me to develop a clear understanding of the pharmacy sector and prepared me well for qualification.  

Can you share an example of a project or piece of work from your apprenticeship that you’re particularly proud of?   

One project I’m particularly proud of during my apprenticeship was completing the medicines management skills evidence for my portfolio. This involved responsibilities such as taking accurate drug histories, performing medicines reconciliation, and assessing patients’ own medications for use during their inpatient stay. Through this work, I developed essential communication skills by engaging with patients, their families, and the wider multidisciplinary team. I was able to see firsthand how these tasks positively influenced patient care and outcomes, and I demonstrated this impact through the successful completion of my evidence portfolio.  

Since completing your apprenticeship, how has it impacted your career?   

Completing my apprenticeship has had a significant impact on my career. It gave me clarity on the path I wanted to pursue as a qualified Pharmacy Technician; thanks to the exposure I had to a wide range of areas during my training. The skills and knowledge I developed throughout the apprenticeship have been invaluable, enabling me to transition confidently into my role as a qualified technician. I felt well-prepared to take on responsibilities and contribute effectively from day one.  

How has your apprenticeship supported you in developing your career further?   

My apprenticeship has been instrumental in advancing my career as a Pharmacy Technician. The broad range of skills I gained, such as quality improvement, delivering training sessions, and conducting audits has provided a strong foundation that I continue to draw upon in my current role. Beyond technical knowledge, the apprenticeship helped me develop essential soft skills, including effective communication and reflective practice. These competencies have not only enhanced my confidence but also enabled me to contribute more meaningfully to patient care and service improvement post-qualification.  

Can you share something you’ve learned about yourself from the apprenticeship?   

When I began my apprenticeship, I was returning to work after maternity leave and making a significant career change. This experience taught me that it’s never too late to pursue something new and that determination can lead to success. Completing the course highlighted the importance of effective time management and reinforced how valuable a strong support network can be in achieving personal and professional goals  

What aspects of your apprenticeship did you enjoy the most?   

The aspect of my apprenticeship I enjoyed most was completing my evidence portfolio. This process allowed me to apply the knowledge gained from online modules and training sessions to real-life scenarios, ensuring I could confidently translate theory into practice. Producing this portfolio felt like a significant achievement and gave me the reassurance that I had the competence and skills required to work effectively as a Pharmacy Technician.  

What advice do you have for someone considering an apprenticeship?   

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, my biggest piece of advice is to ensure they fully understand the level of commitment involved. It can be a significant undertaking, but the experience and opportunities it provides make it incredibly worthwhile in the long run. I would also recommend ensuring you have a strong support network, whether that’s family, friends, or colleagues, because balancing work and study can require sacrifices. Despite the challenges, I would highly encourage anyone thinking about it to go for it; an apprenticeship is an excellent way to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career.  

Why is it important for organisations to support their staff on an apprenticeship?  

It’s vital for organisations to support staff undertaking an apprenticeship because it lays the foundation for their future career development. The support I received during my apprenticeship gave me the confidence to ask questions and communicate my needs throughout the course. Having a positive and encouraging experience not only helped me succeed but also strengthened my commitment to the profession. When organisations invest in their staff in this way, they foster growth, engagement, and long-term loyalty.