SERC Helps Anthony Secure Trust Ambition

SERC student Anthony McHugh was quite certain of where he wanted to work even before he did his GCSEs.   And whilst part-time work helped him gain valuable experience of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, part-time study has helped him on the road to a full-time career.

Anthony (22), from West Belfast, is currently completing the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians at SERC’s Holywood Campus.   He said, “I always wanted to work in the Belfast Trust.   I started working part-time as a Domestic Assistant  when I was 17.   I was certain that I did not want to go to university.   I still wanted to have a career and progress, but I knew there were other ways to do that without taking on serious debt.”

He continued, “When I finished my A-Levels, I took a role in the Civil Service, but I was still looking out for a job in the Belfast Trust.   I was so keen, I applied for several jobs in one day!   I secured a role in Pharmacy as an Assistant Technician Officer (Band 2).  As soon as I started, my line manager explained the progression routes with further study of the BTEC Level 3 Diploma.   Most of my colleagues had come through the Pharmacy course with SERC and recommended that I enrol.  I am now in the second year of the course and at work I am part of a large team based in dispensary - it is busy but enjoyable.”

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians is for learners who are employed in the role of pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician. To be eligible for the part-time course, potential students must be currently working in Northern Ireland in a pharmacy environment as trainee pharmacy technician, contracted for a minimum of 21 hours, or due to start in such a position by the course start date.

Anthony added, “Balancing the course with work and social commitments can be challenging, but you just have to keep on top of the work.   You cover a lot about regulations in the first year and in the second year, you learn more about the medications.”

He concluded, “I would recommend this route to anyone who, like me, didn’t fancy going to university. It has always been my plan to progress within the Belfast Trust and there are good progression pathways, so I am happy with my choice.”

Find out more about Pharmacy courses at SERC.