Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship

Summary

Clare Pharmacy is an independent NHS pharmacy providing NHS services to the local community. This is an Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship within an independent community Pharmacy. The work is varied, interesting and rewarding with the scope to develop skill in a number of healthcare areas.

Wage

£16,575 a year

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Training course

Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturdays, 9am-1pm & 2pm-5:30pm Exact Shifts TBC

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The main responsibilities of the role are:

Labelling medicines from Prescriptions
Dispensing medicines
Stock management within the dispensary
Supporting patients with their medication
Working on the healthcare counter, advising and selling over the counter medicines
Undertaking the apprenticeship NVQ2 qualification
Undertaking the Healthcare Assistant course
Undertake sufficient self-study to complete the qualifications.
Liaising with other healthcare providers, e.g. doctors, nurses, other pharmacies
Assist in maintaining a safe and secure pharmacy
Undertaking housekeeping duties e.g. Cleaning and date checking
Supporting the Healthcare team to provide wider NHS services

Where you'll work

31 High Street
Sudbury
CO10 8NY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE

Your training course

Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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 learner will be studying the Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard qualification
Functional skills will be studied if equivalent qualifications are not held

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade 4-9)

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
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

A pharmacy is a busy place to work, and the candidate should be energetic as you can be on your feet all day. The Pharmacy was refitted 8 years ago, it is spacious with a professional working environment. Computer work is a key part of our processes, but working with patients and providing one to one care is our main objective.

About this company

Clare Pharmacy is an independent NHS pharmacy providing NHS services to the local community. We also provide over the counter medication and Health and Beauty products. It is situated in the same two of Clare in Suffolk and serves a wide area between Haverhill and Sudbury. The Pharmacy is small and busy, with a good spacious working environment and small and friendly team.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will be awarded a Pharmacy Services Skill qualification. This is a formal pharmacy qualification allowing them to work in a dispensary and is a gateway qualification for NVQ3 and to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician with further training. We have several apprentices, two of whom still work with us. We have also had apprentices who have gone on to work at Addenbrookes, West Suffolk Hospital other pharmacies and GP practices.

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