Jessica joined the BTEC Diploma in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course with a clear goal: to progress her career and take the next step within the NHS. Having spent seven years working in community pharmacy, she was ready for a new challenge.
“I’d got a bit bored as an assisstant,” Jessica explains. “I wanted to work for the NHS, but I also wanted to progress – there’s a lot more avenues you can go down as a technician rather than just an assistant.”
After starting work at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in pharmacy production, Jessica quickly realised she wanted to become a pharmacy technician. Seeing other technicians in the role inspired her to follow in their footsteps.
“When I started, I just knew. I wanted to be a pharmacy technician. I applied for the student technician course with Bradford College and was lucky enough to get the position. As soon as I read about it, I thought, ‘Yeah, this is what I want to do with my career.’”
A Supportive, Flexible Learning Experience
Jessica began the course in September 2023. While she found the content interesting and engaging, she was also dealing with significant personal challenges alongside her studies.
“I found the course really challenging, but not because of the course itself – it was more because of what I was going through in my personal life at the same time.”
Diagnosed with ADHD shortly before starting the course, Jessica describes the learning experience as refreshingly inclusive.
“I found it really easy to navigate. I’d say it was very neurodivergent‑friendly. I’ve never been through education with a diagnosis before, and I always struggled at school, but this was completely different.”
She credits the tutors and assessors for helping her succeed.
“The staff were honestly amazing. If I didn’t understand something or needed help with an assignment, they were there straight away – on Teams calls, offering support, tailoring things to what I needed. They really got to know me and what would help me learn best.”
Jessica describes feeling supported rather than judged when life became overwhelming.
“They didn’t ask, ‘Why haven’t you done this?’ They helped you and uplifted you. If I needed an extension, they’d work with me and help me plan. I honestly don’t know how I would have done it without their support.”
Developing Confidence, Skills and Reflection
One of the biggest changes Jessica experienced through the course was how it reshaped the way she thinks about her work.
“The biggest new skill for me was reflection. It completely changed the way I work and how I think in general. If something goes wrong, instead of panicking, I think: what happened, what can I learn, and how can I get better outcomes for patients?”
Although not always patient‑facing, the course reinforced the importance of patient‑centred care.
“It really drills in putting patients first. Even if you don’t see them, everything you do affects someone at the end.”
Career Progression and New Responsibilities
Jessica began the course as a pharmacy production assistant. Since completing it, she has progressed into a new role as a registered pharmacy technician within the hospital.
“Because of the course, I got the opportunity to become a pharmacy technician within the hospital. That was something I’d wanted to do since 2022.”
Since registering in October, Jessica’s role has expanded significantly.
“I now do things I couldn’t do before, like making intrathecal treatments for patients. I also track production, arrange outsourced medication and take on extra responsibility.”
With her new role, Jessica has also become a role model for others.
“People look up to you now and ask, ‘What do I need to do to be where you are?’ That’s exactly how I felt when I started – looking up to technicians and wanting to follow that path.”
Advice for Future Apprentices
When asked what she would say to someone considering a pharmacy apprenticeship, Jessica is clear:
“I’d say go for it – absolutely. It’s hard work, but what you get out of it is 100% worth the effort you put in.”
She highlights the flexibility, support and long‑term career benefits.
“Just because it’s not in‑person doesn’t mean the tutors aren’t there for you. You still build really strong relationships, and doing it from home gives you your own space. The two years fly by, and at the end of it you come out with something that really helps you progress your career.”
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