Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship Soho Pharmacy

This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to get into Pharmaceuticals. We are keen to recruit the right candidate. You will be working alongside pharmacy technicians while under the supervision of the pharmacist. This employer values apprenticeships and will provide all the support you will need to thrive in this environment.

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Closing date: 22 Dec 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,982.40

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Monday to Friday between 9am to 6pm, shifts, may need to work evenings and weekends.

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    15 Months

  • Possible start date

    15 Jan 2024

  • Date posted

    14 Nov 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000211069

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

  • Handling customer queries with confidence
  • Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements
  • Operation of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
  • Ensuring that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions     
  • Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook
  • Ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
  • Maintaining full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions
  • Ordering and unpacking drugs and dressings
  • Dispensing and checking repeat prescriptions and prescriptions from surgeries under the supervision of a dispenser
  • Taking orders for repeats and dealing with queries from district nurses and support staff
  • Using the computer to keep records up to date
  • Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
  • Handling controlled drugs (and keeping register)
  • Handling prescription money and operating/balancing the till
  • Assisting when required to meet targets in relation to dispensing doctors scheme
  • Assisting in stock checks

The training you will be getting

  • There is a major shift from assessing to learning. Instead of continually assessing learners, assessors will be more like tutors or mentors - planning activities, sending feedback and supporting apprentices until the EPA (End Point Assessment). The EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation) will then be responsible for assessing the apprentice
  • Instead of assessing apprentices, on-programme learning will meet all the KSBs in the standard and prepare apprentices for their EPA. Mentors will need to check which assessment methods are used in the EPA and do mock tests and practice runs as the apprentice approaches the EPA
  • The standards include a 20% off-the-job training requirement. This means providers and employers need to work together to plan learning activities outside of the apprentice's normal working duties. Off-the-job training is mandatory and will be audited, so it needs to be properly organised and recorded
  • Apprentices are now graded according to their performance in the EPA. This means mentors will need to work closely with their learners to get the most out of them - planning activities to coach borderline apprentices and stretch and challenge high achievers
  • Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 qualification achieved on completion

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

  • Career in pharmacy industry
  • Further progression may well be available in other areas within our sector, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Science (Grade 4) Essential

Things to consider

As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to travel to both the employer location and also attend college (in most cases). Please ensure that you have researched your travel arrangements and are happy with the time it will take and distance required to travel, before you apply for this vacancy.

About the employer

Soho Pharmacy is a chemist and NHS community pharmacy on Soho Road in Handsworth we are focused on providing free prescriptions collection from Dr Bhalla, Dr Bathla, Dr Vatish, Dr Saini, Dr Bansel, Vitality health centres ( Enki Medical Practice, St James Medical centre, and Handsworth Wood Medical centre) Dr Chaparala and free prescription deliveries to Handsworth, Handsworth Wood and Winson Green. We also provide the following additional services: Free Emergency Hormonal Contraception for females aged 13-21yrs, free pregnancy testing for all females, free NHS flu vaccination for select patients and free Pharmacy First Scheme for all exempt patients and have over 8000 items available for purchase on our website with better discount and better prices than supermarkets and other online pharmacies.

Employer

Soho Pharmacy

Address

247-251 SOHO ROAD

BIRMINGHAM

B21 9RY

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Training

Training provider

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

BMet Recruitment Team

apprenticeships@bmet.ac.uk

0121 362 1122

Apprenticeship standard

Pharmacy services assistant

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications


Before you apply

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