Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprentice (Nene Valley Surgery)

DRS COTTERELL & PARTNERS

KETTERING (NN14 4QL)

Closes on Monday 30 November 2026

Posted on 22 October 2026

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Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in starting a career in pharmacy. You will support the safe and accurate preparation of prescriptions, help patients and customers, assist with stock control, and complete appropriate training while working under the supervision of experienced pharmacy professionals.

• Wage:

  £15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
• Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday. A monthly rota will be sent out to confirm working hours.

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 4 January 2027

• 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

As a Trainee Dispensing Assistant, you will work as part of a busy pharmacy team to support the dispensing and supply of medicines to patients. You will receive training and supervision while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work safely and effectively in a pharmacy environment. The role will involve helping to process prescriptions, prepare medicines for checking, generate labels, use the pharmacy computer system, manage stock, and provide excellent customer service.

You do not need to have any previous experience of working in a pharmacy and you will not be expected to work independently at first; all dispensing duties will be carried out under appropriate supervision until you are trained and assessed as competent. You will also be expected to follow pharmacy standard operating procedures, maintain patient confidentiality, work accurately, and raise any queries or concerns with the pharmacist or senior member of the team.

This role is suitable for someone who is organised, careful, willing to learn, and interested in supporting patient care. The successful candidate will complete the Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship standard.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with receiving, interpreting and processing prescriptions under appropriate supervision.
• Accurately assemble medicines ready for final checking by the team.
• Use the pharmacy computer system to produce labels, update patient records and support prescription processing.
• Refer medication queries, prescription issues, patient concerns or potential errors to the pharmacist or supervisor.
• Support the safe handout of prescriptions in line with workplace procedures.
• Provide polite, professional and helpful service to patients and customers.
• Answer general queries within the limits of the role and refer clinical or complex questions to the pharmacist.
• Receive, check, put away and rotate stock deliveries.
• Support expiry date checking, stock control, ordering and returns.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe dispensary and pharmacy environment.
• Follow standard operating procedures, health and safety requirements, safeguarding procedures and confidentiality rules.
• Report near misses, incidents, dispensing errors or concerns in line with company procedures.
• Complete all required training, coursework and workplace assessments within agreed timescales.
• Work as part of the wider pharmacy team to support safe, efficient and patient-focused pharmacy services.

Where you'll work

NENE VALLEY SURGERY
GREEN LANE
THRAPSTON
KETTERING
NN14 4QL

Training

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

Training provider

BUTTERCUPS TRAINING LIMITED

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

Training schedule

Buttercups Training is a trusted specialist in pharmacy and health care training, supporting learners and employers across community, hospital, and primary care. We design high-quality, career-shaping apprenticeship programmes that build confidence, strengthen clinical practice, and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce. Our collaborative learning approach encourages shared insight and practical application, helping professionals grow together to deliver safer care and better patient outcomes across the organisations and communities they serve.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Numeracy skills
• Using a computer & IT systems
• Willing to learn new systems
• Ability to follow instructions
• Customer service skills
• Reliable and punctual
• Willing to learn and develop
• Careful and accurate
• Honest and trustworthy
• Professional and respectful
• Friendly and approachable
• Calm under pressure
• Patient-focused
• Able to ask for help
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Positive towards feedback
• Responsible & safety-conscious

Other requirements

Essential:

A good standard of English and maths.

Desirable:

Previous experience in pharmacy, healthcare, retail or customer service.

IT or administration experience.

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.

Applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered if they can demonstrate suitable literacy, numeracy, communication skills and a willingness to complete the required training.

About this employer

Nene Valley Surgery is a purpose-built dispensing practice located in Thrapston, just off the A14. The building opened in 1996 and serves a population of approximately 7,000 patients.

Our current GP team consists of:

• 2 full-time GPs

• 1 long-term locum GP

The clinical team is supported by:

 • A Clinical Pharmacist

• 2 Nurse Practitioners

• 2 Treatment Room Nurses

• 1 Nursing Associate

•A First Contact Physiotherapist

• A Paramedic Home Visiting Service

• Daily Paediatric Nurse Clinics

• A Social Prescriber

• Care Coordinators supporting care home residents and elderly, frail patients

We provide medical care to two residential care homes with a total of 97 residents.

The management and administrative team includes:

• A Practice Manager, supported by a Deputy Practice Manager

• 6 Care Navigators

 • 1 Medical Secretary

Our on-site dispensary team includes:

 • 2 Dispensers

• 1 Pharmacy Technician, who is also the Dispensary Manager.

Company benefits

• 28 says including bank holidays
• If 22 years old or older the apprentice would be auto enrolled onto NHS pension scheme.
• We have an employee discount scheme via Bright HR that the apprentice will have access to.
• Free Parking Available

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Temporary - 12 months to ensure completion of Apprenticeship. May turn to a Permanent position but cannot guarantee at present.

This role provides an excellent starting point for a career in pharmacy and healthcare. Following successful completion of training, the candidate may have opportunities to progress into roles such as Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician, or wider roles in healthcare, medicines management, administration or training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BUTTERCUPS TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000060634.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 30 November 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.