Manor Park pharmacist praises vocational training
A pharmacy graduate from Manor Park has praised the impact vocational qualifications had on his route to a career as a pharmacist.
Trainee pharmacist Ketan Vyas, 25, of Gloucester Road, was speaking ahead of this year’s national VQ Day on June 20. VQ Day is a national celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers and employers.
After studying a vocational science qualification at Redbridge College, Ketan went on to achieve a 2:1 in Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire.
He is now undertaking a mandatory year of pre-registration training with Lloyds Pharmacy and hopes to become an independent prescriber.
Ketan said: “I have first-hand experience of how passionate the staff at Redbridge College are about vocational qualifications. It means so much for me to have been able to achieve what I have. At university I competed directly with A Level students, and went on to achieve better results than many.
“I’m the first person in my family to work in the medical profession and that can be daunting, but I just wanted to work in a field where I could help people. Studying a vocational qualification would be suited to someone who is a practical person, is determined and likes a challenge.”
Vocational courses offer a practical, real-world alternative to A Levels to prepare learners for university or the world of work.
Most Read
- 1 'Suspicious' Forest Gate construction fire under investigation
- 2 Dagenham and West Ham accused in court after drugs raids
- 3 Schools and staff across east London up for national awards
- 4 Thunderstorms to hit London this evening warns Met Office
- 5 Wanted: Five people Newham police wish to speak to
- 6 Romford West Ham fan accused of harassing Jewish man on flight
- 7 Cycle paths joined up in Aldgate creates 'safe route' through east London
- 8 'Staffing crisis' impacts hospice's end of life care service
- 9 Third straight win takes Newham top of the table
- 10 Warnings issued after four fox clubs found stuck in old car wheels
VQ Day aims to shine a light on and recognise the millions of talented and skilled people throughout the UK who are awarded vocational qualifications.
It was launched in 2008 to raise the status of practical and vocational learning and celebrate vocational achievement.
Ketan studied the two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Medical Science) course at Redbridge College between 2005 and 2007.