For Felicity, the journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician has been driven by her passion for patient care and a deep fascination with medicine. Having worked as a Pharmacy Assistant, she was inspired by the knowledge and expertise of pharmacy professionals around her.
Starting her Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship at Barts Health NHS Trust (The Royal London Hospital) in February 2024, Felicity has embraced every learning opportunity. She enjoys the hands-on experience, getting to know patients, and discovering new medications. “It’s amazing to come across a drug I’ve never seen before, look it up, and understand how it works. It really highlights how vast and important pharmacy is,” she says.
While Felicity loves the learning process, she acknowledges the challenges of balancing coursework and responsibilities, noting that coursework can be time-consuming and the checking process can sometimes feel nerve-wracking due to the importance of accuracy. However, she values the supportive environment of her apprenticeship, where she can ask questions, receive guidance, and learn from corrections, seeing it as an essential part of her growth and development.
“Coursework takes time, and sometimes the checking process makes me nervous because I know how crucial accuracy is. But I love that I can ask questions and get corrected in a supportive way – it’s all part of growing.”
One of the biggest advantages of the apprenticeship for Felicity is the flexibility of online learning with Skills4Pharmacy. “Being online makes it easier, especially with life’s ups and downs. I’m currently pregnant, and having the option to learn from home while still progressing in my career is incredible. My tutor Alex, is so patient and always takes time to explain things. The support I’ve received, even for my mental health, has been amazing. Skills4Pharmacy really cares about its learners.”
Looking ahead, Felicity has big ambitions. She hopes to progress to a senior Pharmacy Technician role, lead her department’s tech group, and eventually explore becoming a pharmacist or even a doctor. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Felicity’s advice is simple: “Go for it. It might feel like a long journey, but you’re planting the seed for a future full of opportunities. The knowledge and financial stability it provides are invaluable.”
Felicity’s story is a testament to the power of apprenticeships in building confidence, skills, and career prospects, proving that with the right support and determination, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about Skills4Pharmacy apprenticeship programmes.