Spotlight on Talent – Evie Pritchard

Studying: Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship Standard

A career in pharmacy seemed like the best way forward for Evie Pritchard after completing BTEC qualifications in Health and Social Care, Science and Sport at sixth form.  Medications had been one of her course topics and this had piqued her interest, leading her to join Coalpool Pharmacy as an apprentice.

Here, she enjoys the variety of the work and people she meets.

“Every day here brings something new or unexpected,” said Evie.  “You never know what sort of query a patient might have.

“We do have lots of regulars and you soon get to know one another. This helps you settle into the job more easily.”

Evie spends four days a week at the Walsall-based pharmacy and one day off-the-job training at Walsall College.

When comparing her apprenticeship to sixth form life, the hands-on experience stands out.

“You get to do the learning you enjoy in school, but you also get paid to do it,” said Evie.  “And you take what you learn at work and turn this into theory-based learning when you go to college, knowing that there’s a qualification to come at the end.”

One of Evie’s big achievements and responsibilities has been to learn how to administer flu and covid jabs.  She admits she was nervous about doing this at first until she spent time shadowing colleagues.

Evie also received training in CPR and first aid, giving her the confidence to perform this role effectively.

“I feel I can talk to patients as an expert now,” said Evie.  “When giving patients jabs, I can talk thorough the process in a scientific and medical way and provide information about the brands they are receiving.

“Overall, I enjoy the pace of activity here.  One minute I can be dealing with two or three patients at a time, one after the other and then suddenly it all goes quiet.  There’s always something to do though in terms of keeping things organised and tidy.”

Evie continued: “I’m in my first year of working in pharmacy so there’s still lots to learn, but I am aware of ways I can progress with a Level 3 qualification and higher.”