NHS England's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer David Webb and Pharmacy Clinical Fellow Bekki Burgoyne delivered an inspiring talk on career opportunities in pharmacy to Southwark College's students. The talk was organised as part of the NHS 75 school talks programme, a partnership between NHS England and the charity Speakers for Schools to celebrate the NHS's 75th birthday.
The engaging talk left an impression on the audience. It sparked interest in the field, with many students gaining valuable knowledge about the options and career prospects available in the dynamic pharmacy field.
During the session, David elaborated on various pharmacy professions, shedding light on the roles of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy Assistants while also discussing the distinctions and entry routes for each role. David and Bekki shared their career journeys and experiences, offering students a firsthand glimpse of working in pharmacy. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, which allowed students to pose questions and further enrich their understanding of the subject.
Josephine Asamoah, an Access to Science student, said: "The session proved to be both enlightening and educational, offering me a comprehensive insight into pharmacy and medicine. The information provided was invaluable, which will undoubtedly guide me in making informed decisions about my future career."
David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at NHS England, said: "It has been wonderful addressing the students at Southwark College. I had the pleasure of discussing the various career opportunities within the NHS, with a special focus on the impactful contributions that new talent can make to the pharmacy field. It has been great to speak with the Science and Health and Social Care students and answer their questions."
Scott Peasey, Vice Principal at Southwark College, said: "It has been a pleasure to welcome David Webb and Bekki Burgoyne from the NHS to share valuable insights on careers in the field of pharmacy and their professional journeys with our students.
"It was truly encouraging to witness student participation. This session has inspired our students to consider the pharmacy field as a career option. At Southwark College, our commitment extends to supporting our students through informative career talks, ensuring they make well-informed decisions about their next steps in education and future careers."
Southwark College's careers service offers information, advice and guidance to support students in achieving their goals and career aspirations. Find out more at southwark.ac.uk/careers