Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant (Level 2) – HINGLEY PHARMACY (Alum Rock)
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.
Information
Weekly wage
Annual wage £13,312 a year
Date posted
12 March 2024
Working week
Monday to Friday between 9:00am to 5:00pm,
Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm
Total maximum hours per week: 40 hours a week
Apprenticeship level
Intermediate
Level 2 (GCSE)
Apprenticeship duration
15 Months
Reference Number
VAC1000247603
Possible Start Date
20/05/2024
Positions
1
Location
195/197 Alum Rock Road, Saltley Birmingham West Midlands B8 1NJ
Apprenticeship summary
What will the apprentice be doing?
- 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
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:
- 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 (Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours) 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 is achieved on completion
- Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end point assessment
What is the expected career progression 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.
- Further training can lead to a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS
Requirements and prospects
Desired skills and personal qualities
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- 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) desirable to facilitate progression onto a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician
Things to consider
As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to travel to both the employer location and also attend college. 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.