Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant

Summary

This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to get into Pharmaceuticals. 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.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 6.00pm, shifts, may need to work evenings and weekends.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

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

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 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 -o-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

Where you'll work

60 HIGH STREET
SMETHWICK
B66 1DS

Training

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

College or training organisation

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN 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

This is a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant standard that includes the following:

The training will be delivered by BMet - Matthew Boulton College on a day-release delivery model. At least 20% (1 day per week) of your working hours will be spent training or studying
Apprentices are graded according to their performance in the EPA
Upon successful completion the apprentice will achieve a Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

Other in:

English (grade 4/C or above)
Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Desirable qualifications

Other in:

Science (grade 4/C or above)

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
Presentation skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

Other requirements

Malchem pharmacy operates in a community where Punjabi is often spoken, and therefore it would be beneficial, if applicants were able to speak and understand this language. As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to travel to both the employer location and also attend college one day a week. 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. Progression onto the Level 3 apprenticeship requires candidates to have a qualification in Science.

About this company

Malchem Chemists is a member of the National Pharmacy Network (NPN). The NPN is the first digital directory to give pharmacies the same position online as they occupy in communities around the country. Consumers benefit from hyper targeted search for NHS services, while pharmacies can finally offer customers an online service easily and conveniently. Malchem Chemists is considered an important part of the local community, offering a wide range of services to meet the healthcare needs of Smethwick residents

After this apprenticeship

Following successful completion of the training an apprentice could be

Qualified to work as a dispensing assistant in Community Pharmacies
Should they wish to continue training, accuracy-checking roles present an interesting progression, and further training can lead to a pharmacy technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

BMET Recruitment Team

recruitment@bmet.ac.uk

0121 362 1122

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000322134.

Apply now

Closes today at 11:59pm

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