Tariq’s journey into pharmacy wasn’t something he had planned. His initial career path was in architecture, but alongside his studies, he worked in a pharmacy. What began as a voluntary role soon turned into a paid position, and he completed his dispensing qualification. By 2019, Tariq was working as a pharmacy assistant, balancing his role with university studies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued working in the pharmacy while completing his degree. Although he planned to pursue a career in architecture, his passion for it began to fade. “I kind of lost interest in it, but I finished the course nevertheless,” he explains. He decided to continue working in pharmacy, giving himself time to consider his future.
As time went on, Tariq noticed gaps in the pharmacy’s processes and felt motivated to step up and take on more responsibility. His pharmacist recognised his potential and encouraged him to pursue the Pharmacy Technician qualification. Seeing it as an opportunity to progress while learning on the job, Tariq decided to go for it. After some time searching, he found Skills4Pharmacy’s Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship and began the course in May 2023. “It’s not as intense as going to university – just a couple of times a week – and I’m learning while working. It felt like the right fit for me,” he adds.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the apprenticeship for Tariq has been applying what he learns in real-life situations. He recalls a moment when a patient jokingly said, “If you don’t know, then what am I going to do?” That light-hearted comment reminded him of the responsibility he carries and the importance of his knowledge. He especially enjoys the science and maths elements of the course. “I love learning new things, and I enjoy bringing what I’ve learnt into the pharmacy to share with my colleagues,” he says.
While the course has been rewarding, balancing work and personal life has been challenging. “Working five to six days a week and keeping on top of coursework can be tough. Life doesn’t stop, and sometimes unexpected things happen,” Tariq admits. However, he believes that having a solid schedule has helped him stay on track. “The assignments aren’t too bad because I had experience at university, but I know it can be difficult for others. The support is always there, though, and my tutor has helped me through the tough times,” he adds.
Tariq’s journey has not been without personal challenges. In September 2023, he suffered personal loss and became unwell himself, which caused him to fall behind. His Skills4Pharmacy tutor noticed something wasn’t right and reached out. “After I opened up, my tutor referred me to the Skills4Pharmacy support team. Now, I have regular check-ins every couple of weeks. It’s helped me open up and deal with everything,” he shares.
The support he has received from Skills4Pharmacy has been life-changing. “The level of support I’ve had here is something I never got at university. My university tutors didn’t check in like this – I just suffered in silence back then. I’m so grateful to my tutor and the support team. Without them, I probably would’ve spiralled, but they’ve helped me get back on track,” he says.
For those considering an apprenticeship, Tariq offers this advice: “It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you’re not sure what career path to take. It’s shorter than university, you earn while you learn, and you get a lot more one-to-one support. It can be tough with deadlines and assignments, but the help is there when you need it.”
Looking ahead, Tariq’s future remains open, but he is currently focused on building his career as a Pharmacy Technician. “My five-year vision has changed a lot recently. For now, I’m happy in pharmacy, but that’s not to say I won’t find my passion for architecture again. Right now, I’m content and looking forward to progressing in this career,” he says.
Tariq’s story is a testament to the flexibility and support apprenticeships offer, proving that changing direction can lead to rewarding new opportunities.