Learning and Earning the right combination for pharmacy apprentice Caroline

Caroline Hamilton from Derry/Londonderry says combining on-the-job experience with study at SERC is a great way to realise her ambition to work as a pharmacy technician.

Caroline (29) is currently completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services at SERC Bangor campus in order to achieve aBTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

Caroline took a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care but then decided to pursue a degree in Accountancy. However, on graduating, she took a summer job in a community pharmacy and realised that she loved the interaction with customers and wanted to pursue a career in this field. Although there was no opportunity available with her employer at the time, she was recruited by Altnagelvin Hospital as a Student Pharmacy Technician, a route which includes two years’ study at SERC. She says she would recommend it:

“I am nearly finished my first year at SERC and can honestly say it has been a wonderful experience. The course is great, the teachers are great and the theory you learn sets out a great foundation for the working environment. I have made lots of new friends and everyone sticks together especially at break times, we bond well as a group."

“The course is a two-year programme which involves attending classes one day per week which is a fantastic option as you can gain your qualification, learn on the job and also get paid.”

She says that the course content, combined with her experience at work, means that many future options are open to her:

“This qualification will allow me to become a qualified Pharmacy Technician. My goal is to work within a clinical setting at ward level in order to interact more with patients and ensure that they have everything that they need by completing a daily ward round. There are so many possibilities once qualified, such as working in a community setting, hospital setting, working in prisons etc. Teaching and assessing future students would be my ultimate goal, once I have enough experience.”  

There is still time to apply for further education and higher education programmes commencing September 2022. Unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.