Caring BMet adult apprentice lands dream pharmacy job next door to former role!

A kind-hearted pharmacy student at BMet College’s desire to help others during the pandemic, has led to positive career moves and to her finding work right next door to her previous job.

Adult apprentice learner, Lisa Turvey, has been given a dose of good fortune, after gaining a rewarding role as a pharmacy assistant at The Late Night Yew Tree Pharmacy in Solihull.

Working alongside the Arena Hair and Beauty Salon, where she was previously employed as a beautician, makes Lisa’s journey even more interesting.

When shops were forced to close in 2020 during the first Covid 19 lockdown, Lisa was furloughed and unable to work. She was aware that the Chemist next to where she worked was short staffed, so she volunteered to help out in her free time.

Lisa’s offer was appreciated and accepted by the pharmacy’s owner, where she worked without pay for three months.

Since then the hardworking, charitable scholar has embarked on and completed a 15-month apprenticeship for pharmacy support staff with BMet and her new place of work.

Speaking of her journey and achievements, community-focused Lisa, who has worked in the beauty industry for about 15 years said: “I feel so happy to be where I am today and to be pursuing a completely new and rewarding career path. Covid 19 has brought many challenges, but I am pleased that it has also brought some positives.

“I have very much enjoyed working in the beauty industry and to leave it, wasn’t an easy decision to make.  Thankfully, everyone including my ex-work colleagues have been very supportive with my move to next door. The saying “what you want may be staring you in the face” is now so real to me!”

Lisa is also very thankful for the support that she has received from BMet and the Late Night Yew Tree Pharmacy. She began her pharmacy level 2 (dispensary assistant) course at BMet’s Matthew Boulton College in September 2020. The college enabled Lisa to progress into a progressive sector, that she had previously had no experience of.

Lisa added: “I truly appreciate the continuous help and guidance I have obtained from my teachers and assessor along my journey.

“It was fairly challenging at times learning remotely during the height of the pandemic and not being able to work with fellow learners as a team, but am pleased I was able to achieve what I have.”

Likewise, teaching staff at BMet are feeling very happy and pleased with what Lisa has achieved. Here is what a couple of her biggest supporters had to say:

Donna Carne, one of Lisa’s pharmacy lecturers said: “Lisa is focused, has considerable life skills and is a valued member of the team. She is very pleasant and always smiling, with a no-nonsense attitude. She is a pleasure to teach.

“Her assignment work is of an excellent standard, considering she had been out of education for a number of years. I am very proud of the work that Lisa has achieved and of her recognised success as a pharmacy assistant.”

Lynn Marshall, Lisa’s assessor added: “I love working with Lisa. Her written work is of a high standard and she always adds that extra something to explain her points. On my visits to her workplace, she has great rapport with her colleagues and her customers. She is a highly valued member of the team.

“Her determination to go above and beyond stands out and she was nominated by her manager for the Chemist and Druggist magazine awards, for doing just this during the covid pandemic. I am looking forward to Lisa returning to complete her Level 3 course.”

To top off her achievements, Lisa is now recognised as an award winner. For example, as well as recently being named as a finalist for the Covid Hero –Chemist and Druggist magazine – Award, Lisa has also obtained a National Pharmacy Recognition Award, presented to her at the House of Commons.