Caring apprentice lands pharmacy job - next door to former role

A kind-hearted BMet College pharmacy student 's desire to help others during the pandemic has led to her finding work right next door to her previous job.

Adult apprentice learner, Lisa Turvey (pictured), 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 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.

Lisa 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 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. ”

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.

“I am very proud of the work that Lisa has achieved and of her recognised success as a pharmacy assistant. ”

Find out more about BMet 's wide range of courses and apprenticeships.