Pharmacy Level 2 apprenticeship

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.

Annual wage

£13,312 to £23,795.20 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

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.

About this company

At BD Healthcare, we are a rapidly-growing retail pharmacy company based in the West Midlands, dedicated to providing our clients with unparalleled service and innovative healthcare solutions. As a leader in our field, we pride ourselves on our dynamic and supportive working environment, fostering growth, and encouraging employees to excel in their careers. Our team is a diverse and passionate group of professionals who share our commitment to excellence. With a strong focus on professional development and employee satisfaction, BD Healthcare offers competitive benefits, a vibrant workplace culture, and ample opportunities for career advancement.

Company benefits

20% Staff Bonus

After this apprenticeship

As a Level 2 Pharmacy Assistant, you will be qualified to work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in a pharmacy setting
Your main duties may include dispensing prescriptions, preparing medicines, managing stock, and providing customer service. With experience and further training, you can progress to become a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician and take on more responsibilities, such as managing a team, providing more complex pharmaceutical services, and working with other healthcare professionals to support patient care.
There may also be opportunities to specialise in areas such as hospital pharmacy or mental health pharmacy
As the demand for pharmaceutical services increases, there is a good demand for qualified pharmacy technicians, and there may be opportunities for career advancement, increased pay, and job stability

Ask a question

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