Pharmacy wasn’t something Shalini had ever considered as a career. With no background in sciences and no prior knowledge of the field, she hadn’t given it much thought – until an unexpected opportunity changed everything. While working in retail, her store was preparing to open a pharmacy, and her manager asked if she would consider moving into the new department. Despite having no experience, she accepted the challenge and underwent a month of training in different aspects of pharmacy. “After that, I remember thinking, ‘Why haven’t I considered this before?’ That’s when the seed was planted.”
For years, Shalini searched for an Accuracy Checking Dispensing Assistant (ACD) course, but balancing work and family life made finding the right opportunity difficult. Even with 20 years of pharmacy experience, she faced barriers to career progression due to course requirements. Eventually, she realised that she wasn’t using her skills and experience to their full potential. “I knew I wanted more than just dispensing, so I asked my employer for career development, and that’s how my apprenticeship journey began.” Now, Shalini is carrying out the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship, which includes accuracy checking, and opening doors to new possibilities.
So far, her apprenticeship experience has exceeded her expectations. Reflecting on previous training, she remembers feeling left to learn alone, but this time, the structured support has made a huge difference. “Having a tutor who is extremely knowledgeable and helpful has been fantastic. Learning alongside others, even in a virtual setting, feels like a classroom environment where we can share experiences and knowledge. That’s been really valuable, especially as a parent.” While balancing work and study can be challenging, she enjoys applying what she learns to her job at Whitwell Surgery and sharing new knowledge with colleagues.
One of the biggest ways Skills4Pharmacy has supported Shalini is through Functional Skills training, particularly in maths. “I completed my education in India a long time ago, so I worried I’d struggle. But the apprenticeship has helped refresh my memory, especially with calculations. It has boosted my confidence – not just in maths but also in the writing side of the job.”
For anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship, Shalini’s advice is clear: “Definitely do it. Find someone in your workplace who will support your development and understand your needs. That made all the difference for me. I had concerns at first, but my peers and tutors have been incredibly supportive and put my mind at ease. I also couldn’t afford traditional education routes, so having an apprenticeship option has been brilliant for someone like me.”
Looking ahead, Shalini sees a range of opportunities available to her, but one path stands out the most. “There are so many different pathways I could pursue, but I think I’d like to go into training and help teach and support others.” From an unexpected opportunity to a newfound passion, Shalini’s apprenticeship has given her the tools to shape a rewarding future in pharmacy.