Pharmacy Technicians are registered professionals working within the regulatory standards for pharmacy, as set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Pharmacy Order 2010.
Pharmacy Technicians work in a wide range of settings, including (but not exclusively): registered pharmacies, community services, justice (the Prison Service), GP Practices, dispensing doctors’ practices, care homes and clinical commissioning groups, hospitals, mental health, defence (HM Armed Services) and within the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacy technicians manage the supply of medicines and devices in a pharmacy and assist pharmacists with advisory services.
On completion of the apprenticeship standard, you would gain knowledge within the following areas: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medicines Management, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Person-Centred Care, Pharmaceutical Science, Quality Assurance, Health and Safety, and Regulatory Requirements.
The skills that are developed include: Dispensing and Supplying Medicines, Accuracy Checking, Medicines Optimisation, Patient Communication, Clinical and Technical Services, Record Keeping, Problem Solving, Team Working, Using Digital Systems, and Supporting Safe and Effective Pharmacy Services.
The behaviours that are developed include: Professionalism, Compassion, Integrity, Personal Accountability, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Commitment to Patient Safety, Continuous Improvement, and Collaborative Working.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career as a registered Pharmacy Technician and enables learners to play a vital role in supporting patient care and the safe use of medicines. On successful completion, apprentices will meet the requirements to apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and can progress into a variety of specialist, senior and leadership roles within pharmacy services.
Ideally have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English.
It is advisable to first complete the Level 2 Pharmacy Assistant standard to give you a good foundational knowledge of pharmacy services.
You must be employed in a relevant role, or have a confirmed job offer with a start date, before you can begin your apprenticeship. Apprenticeship training cannot commence until your employment is in place.
The College can support you in identifying suitable apprenticeship vacancies. However, opportunities are limited and highly competitive, so we strongly encourage you to be proactive in approaching local employers directly. If you secure your own employment, we can then support you through the apprenticeship enrolment process.
Apprentices must complete the qualification detailed within the occupational standard during their apprenticeship, ensuring the minimum duration of the apprenticeship is met.
On successful completion of the qualification the apprenticeship can be awarded.
With experience and additional training, Pharmacy Technicians can progress into roles such as:
The knowledge, skills and behaviours developed through this apprenticeship provide a strong foundation for a long-term career in healthcare, offering opportunities to specialise, take on leadership responsibilities, and make a significant contribution to patient care and the safe use of medicines.
An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You would be treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment, holiday leave and employee benefits. You would receive support from a dedicated assessor who regularly visits apprentices in the workplace.
Becky Painting
Email: bpainting@halesowen.ac.uk
Whittingham Road
Halesowen
B63 3NA
Tel: 0121 602 7777
New Road
Halesowen
B63 3HY
Tel: 0121 602 8500
Dudley Road
Halesowen
B63 3NT
Tel: 0121 602 7654
Coombs Wood Business Park
Coombs Road
B62 8BB
Tel: 0121 602 7770
