Summary
Your apprenticeship will involve working alongside our qualified dispensing team, learning how to become a Pharmacy Dispenser. Our 18-month apprenticeship will gain a specialised certificate, which is a requirement to work in any pharmacy.
Wage
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
£7.55 per hour for 40 hours per week
Training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Hours
Apprenticeships may involve evenings and weekend working but is dependent on the pharmacy opening times. Days and shifts are to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
Start date
Monday 8 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
4
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
* Working alongside a fully trained and diverse dispensing team, helping in the prescription process
* Liaising with doctor's surgeries and other healthcare professionals
* Completing your coursework in a timely manner
* Keep up to date with current pharmacy practice, new drugs and their uses
* Respect and maintain confidentiality of information concerning customers, colleagues, company policies and statistics in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) from 25th May 2018)
Where you'll work
Citywide Health - Water End Pharmacy
8 Boroughbridge Road
York
YO26 5RU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BRADFORD COLLEGE
Training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
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
* All the training is on-site, and you do not need to attend off-site college days to complete this apprenticeship
* An e-learning portfolio plus on-site tutors will help you progress to a Level 2 Pharmacy Dispenser qualification, which is a requirement to work in any pharmacy in the UK
* Functional Skills in English and maths if required
* Pharmacy Services assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Patience
Other requirements
The ideal candidate must be: Friendly, caring and passionate about patient welfare. Willing to learn and take on new challenges. Can work accurately under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. Ambitious with a good work ethic. Be a strong team player whilst also being able to work independently. Take on feedback and listen to directions.