Summary
Pharmacy apprenticeships involve 18 months of combined on-the-job and classroom training. Duties include assisting with prescription dispensing, labelling, preparing over-the-counter medicines, and managing stock levels.
Wage
£13,312 to £23,795.20 a year
Apprentices may earn performance-based bonuses of up to 5% of their base wage based on meeting or exceeding agreed-upon goals and milestones.
Training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm shifts May work one evening and alternate weekends Breaks to be confirmed
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Friday 28 February
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
4
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
As a Level 2 apprentice in a retail pharmacy, you will be responsible for supporting the work of the registered pharmacist and other members of the pharmacy team.
Your duties may include:
* Assisting with the dispensing of prescriptions and ensuring they are accurately labelled and stored
* Preparing and dispensing over-the-counter medicines and other healthcare products
* Managing stock levels and ensuring medicines are stored appropriately
* Providing basic advice to customers about common ailments and over-the-counter medicines
* Performing administrative tasks, such as answering the phone, booking appointments, and filing records
* Supporting the delivery of pharmacy services, such as smoking cessation and emergency hormonal contraception
* Maintaining a clean and safe working environment, including ensuring that all health and safety procedures are followed
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will also be expected to develop your knowledge of the pharmacy industry, including regulations and guidelines surrounding the handling and dispensing of medicines, customer service skills, and general pharmacy practice.
You will work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and other members of the pharmacy team, receiving support and guidance as you learn and develop your skills.
Where you’ll work
Ambrose House
Kingsway
Oldbury
B68 0RT
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
I & F LIMITED
Your training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* receive and log prescriptions
* assemble prescribed items, undertake an in-process accuracy check and issue prescribed items
* work according to legislative requirements, and organisational policies
* order, receive, maintain and issue pharmaceutical stock
* provide appropriate advice when authorised on supplied medicines and products, their storage and disposal
* work within the parameters of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the pharmacy
* act in accordance with systems and organisational governance
* recognise and act within the pharmacy regulatory, legal and ethical standards
* support the team in the development of others
* maintain and further develop your own skills and knowledge through development activities; maintain evidence of your personal development and actively prepare for and participate in appraisal
* communicate effectively with the public, carers and other health and social care professionals using a range of techniques to determine their needs, and keep information confidential
* handle information (record, report and store information) related to individuals and/or patients in line with local and national policies
* use pharmacy IT systems and other IT resources according to legislative requirements and organisational policies
* demonstrate person centred care and support within a pharmacy setting
* make pharmacy patients and patient safety your first concern
* use judgement and refer service user as appropriate to another member of the team, GP, healthcare worker, manufacturer etc
* maintain the interests of patients and the health of the public
* promote and advocate equality, diversity and inclusion
* promote healthy lifestyles to customers
* work safely within the parameters of your role using Standard Operating Procedures
* apply policies which relate to health and safety at work
* act appropriately in situations to prevent harm to yourself and others
Your training plan
* The Level 2 Pharmacy Apprentice will undergo a comprehensive training program that includes on-the-job training and classroom-based learning
* The training will cover various areas such as pharmacy laws and regulations, health and safety procedures, pharmacy practice, handling and dispensing of medicines, customer service skills, stock management, administrative tasks, and common ailments and over-the-counter medicines
* Upon completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognised Level 2 Pharmacy Service Assistant qualification
* Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment
* Blended on/off the job training and location to be confirmed
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English (grade 4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Patience
Other requirements
May be required to work one evening until 8pm.