Level 2 -
Pharmacy Services Assistant

Overview

A Pharmacy Services Assistant (Pharmacy Support Worker) works under the supervision of a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician in all areas of pharmacy practice, including community (High Street) pharmacies, hospitals, dispensing practices and prisons.

What the course includes

This apprenticeship is designed to build confidence, knowledge, and the key behaviours required to excel in a pharmacy setting. Apprentices will develop a comprehensive range of skills, including delivering person-centred care, effective teamwork, and adhering to health and safety standards. Furthermore, the apprenticeship also covers the minimum training requirements for dispensers and Medicines Counter Assistants (MCAs).  

Our apprentices become fully equipped to handle dispensing processes and the issuing of prescribed medicines.  They also develop ordering, receipt, and safe storage of pharmaceutical stock knowledge, skills and behaviours. By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be able to provide high-quality support in a pharmacy environment and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

English and Mathematics are embedded into the delivery of the apprenticeship. Furthermore, British Values are integral to encouraging learners to voice their opinions through various avenues such as online teaching, workbook activities and discussions during the learning programme.

Entry requirements

To enrol onto this course, English and Maths requirements differ depending on the learner’s age:
 
For learners aged 16–18: It is mandatory to either already hold, or be able to work towards and achieve, the required English and Maths qualifications as part of the apprenticeship. These must be completed prior to gateway.
 
For learners aged 19 and over: It is recommended that applicants hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or an equivalent qualification). If evidence of prior achievement is not available at enrolment, learners may choose to complete these subjects separately through Skills4, with full funding and support provided.

While English and Maths are optional for adult learners to enrol onto this apprenticeship, completing them is strongly advised — particularly for those intending to progress to a higher-level qualification in the future.