Kiera Dwyer, pre-registration technician trainee was announced as Apprentice of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

Kiera, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome and visual stress, had completed a pre-registration pharmacy technician training programme apprenticeship which included a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science through awarding body Pearson and a City & Guilds Level 3 in Pharmacy Service Skills.

The apprenticeship was delivered by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) with support from ALS Training.

Originally from Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd in Wales, Kiera took on more responsibilities to allow pharmacists at Sheppards Pharmacy, part of the Avicenna group, more time to deal with patients – resulting in the pharmacy receiving a rating of up to 100 per cent from patients.

“I am delighted to achieve this award,” said Kiera. “I wanted an apprenticeship as the odds were stacked against me from the start. Despite this, I managed to make it to the other side and not only completed by apprenticeship but also my BTEC and NVQ qualifications.”

“The HEIW pharmacy team are extremely proud that Kiera was named as Apprentice of the Year last night,” said Wendy Penny, head of pharmacy technician training at HEIW. “Throughout the training programme Kiera remained positive and determined to succeed whilst delivering person centred care to the community where she worked. Kiera is a role model and inspiration to individuals embarking on a career as a health care professional.”