Choosing the BTEC Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship was an easy decision for Sarah Nicholson, who wanted a route that blended practical experience with academic study.
“I liked having the opportunity and ability to do the job alongside learning the academic side of the work.” From day one, the apprenticeship allowed her to connect classroom learning directly to real patients, real medication, and real professional responsibilities.
The academic element quickly proved invaluable. “The college side of the apprenticeship gave me valuable knowledge that I could apply in my day‑to‑day work,” she explained, describing how learning effective communication helped her speak confidently with doctors, nurses and patients. Understanding how medications work in the body meant “I can counsel patients better on their medications, leading to them taking their medications correctly, benefitting their health.”
Rotations across different roles helped shape her future direction. “By rotating around the various roles available to me after qualifying, I got to try out various roles before deciding where I wanted to develop my career.” This hands‑on exposure gave Sarah clarity and purpose, helping her secure “a brilliant job offer at the end of it.”
Although the Trust selected Bradford College as the training provider, Sarah quickly discovered why the College is so highly regarded. “The tutors are all very knowledgeable and teach in a friendly and approachable way, and the use of Teams allows for easy contact.” She also valued the practical support: “Bradford College provides all of the information you need to complete assignments and have even lent IT equipment such as cameras out to students.”
For her, the delivery model truly set Bradford apart. “Lessons via Teams allow for learning from all over the country. The lesson quality is outstanding as the tutors we have are all working within the industry so understand the content inside out.” Working alongside apprentices from different regions gave her access to new ideas and perspectives.
As her skills developed, so did her impact at work. “By allowing staff to upskill to become Pharmacy Technicians, my employer is gaining staff that have the skills needed to help our patients gain the most benefit from their medications.” Real‑world learning became a defining part of her journey: “A classroom cannot teach you how to build a rapport with someone that has been admitted to hospital, is scared, and has various members of staff all needing information from them.”
Her confidence grew enormously throughout the programme. “I am much more confident now… seeing the change it makes to our patients’ lives and health when they trust the advice we are giving them, it’s the best feeling.”
Now she is excited for her next chapter. “I am looking forward to starting work as a Medicines Management Technician… and in the future I would like to undertake a Level 4 course to become specialised in specific areas.”
When asked whether she would recommend Bradford College to others, her answer was clear:
“Bradford College is committed to their students… they support students constructively and without judgement. Learning on the job is a fantastic way to learn the industry you want to work in – sitting in a classroom cannot give you the same experience.”
Sarah’s journey reflects the strength of Bradford College’s award‑winning Pharmacy team, which works with over 100 NHS Foundation Trusts nationwide. The Apprenticeships team has trained around 600 Pharmacy apprentices at Levels 2 and 3, with a 100% achievement rate into pharmacy‑related roles at NHS Band 4 or 5 – and all who qualify go on to join the General Pharmaceutical Council Register (GPhC).
Together, Sarah’s story and the department’s track record show how the right support, real experience and expert teaching at Bradford College can transform potential into a meaningful profession.
Find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer here.