Looking back, the value of RSSL’s viva preparation day can’t be overstated. Yes, you will be put on the spot at times but it’s more a behind the scenes look at the viva process itself. It reminds you that the assessors are human and want us to do well, although it may not feel like it on the day.

The best thing you can do is practice. It doesn’t matter if that’s with your sponsor, other QP trainees, your pet cat or just washing the dishes, practice responding to questions or reciting the 21 routine duties. Knowledge is always the focus when studying, but I found it surprisingly difficult to say everything out loud without stumbling over my words. Also, be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Easier said than done, but turning up to your viva expecting to sit in front of three lions and meeting three kittens instead certainly helps put you at ease.

A couple of other things to keep in mind. There are no silly questions. And, start your application form early. You may have heard that last point before, but I can say from experience that it’s so much harder to complete your application form after the training. 

Having said all that, I would encourage anyone considering taking part in RSSL’s QP training programme to absolutely go for it. It will be daunting at first and you will likely take a moment to find your feet as it does feel like jumping on a moving carousel. But you won’t be the only one and the end result is incredibly rewarding.

I still feel proud of my achievement and extremely grateful to everyone who helped me. The medicinal gases sector often goes largely unnoticed – think big white tanks next to hospitals, oxygen masks and paramedics with green bags and medicinal gas cylinders – so it’s been great to represent what we do to my peer group. Although whether I will ever get tired of explaining what a QP is to people outside the pharma industry remains to be seen – but I doubt it!