Spotlight on Talent – Michael Marston

Studied: Pharmacy apprentice while working as an Assistant Pharmacist at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Progression: Radio Pharmacy Department Deputy Production Manager

Michael Marston began exploring opportunities to progress from the moment he joined the pharmacy industry.  He started out as an assistant pharmacist at New Cross Hospital.  His forward thinking attitude led to him later on becoming deputy production manager in the radio pharmacy department.

“My work involves manufacturing pharmaceuticals used in the imaging for the scanning of cancers,” explained Michael.  “I’ve been doing this role for three years now.  There is potential here for me moving up to the position of production manager.

“Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve always made a point of looking for ways to climb the ladder,” Michael continued.  “The same was true when I first joined the hospital trust.

“I  was always keeping an eye out for other available roles that would suit me.  When the role in radio pharmacy came up, I just went for it.

“Although pharmacy is a competitive sector to progress in, radiotherapy is a niche area.  Your skills and experience are highly sought after.  Particularly for senior roles.”

Michael’s Apprenticeship included the Level 3 in Health (Pharmacy Services) and a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science.  He worked towards these by spending one day a week in college.

“Studying with others is a big help,” said Michael.  “You get to know others who are going through the same things as you.  You’re sharing knowledge.

“It’s a useful way to network as well.  Someone I trained with now works with me.”

Michael also believed he benefitted from the format of his qualification; a mixture of coursework and exams.

“It’s an effective way of developing your knowledge.  And understanding how to put things into practice,” he added.

“Having an assessor to confirm you’re on the right track is useful too.  It’s good having that interaction with someone.”

Michael is continually investing in his professional development, courtesy of his registration with the General Dental Council.  He is also considering university level study to support his further ambitions.