Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant

ADM Healthcare LTD; Bilston; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Bilston is looking for an Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant. This role offers hands-on training under the supervision of registered professionals and the chance to work towards a Level 2 qualification. You will dispense medication, manage stock, and provide customer service. The salary is £14,722.50 for the first year, with potential increases. Ideal candidates will have good communication skills and an interest in healthcare.

Qualifications

• Interest in a career in pharmacy or healthcare.
• Willingness to learn and undertake formal study.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions accurately.
• Maintain stock levels and help with ordering and rotation.
• Provide excellent customer service and handle queries.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Reliability

Organizational skills

Education

GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science (grade 3 or above)

Job description

Overview

As an Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant, you will support the delivery of pharmacy services under the supervision of registered pharmacy professionals. This role provides hands-on training and study support as you work towards a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant qualification. You will learn how to dispense medication, manage stock, serve patients, and support the safe and efficient running of the pharmacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions accurately and efficiently
• Maintain stock levels, check expiry dates, and help with stock ordering and rotation
• Label and package medications following standard procedures and legal requirements
• Provide excellent customer service by answering queries and referring to pharmacists when necessary
• Ensure a clean, tidy, and safe working environment within the pharmacy
• Support with administrative tasks, including filing prescriptions and processing paperwork
• Adhere to all health and safety, data protection, and confidentiality guidelines
• Attend off-site or online training sessions as part of the apprenticeship program, 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 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 users 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

Essential

• Interest in a career in pharmacy or healthcare
• Willingness to learn and undertake formal study
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, punctual, and well-organised
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team

Desirable

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, maths, and science (grade 3 or above)
• Previous experience in a customer-facing or healthcare environment

Employer and role details

ADM Healthcare Limited is a UK-based private limited company specializing in pharmaceutical services. Established on 13 June 2014, the company is incorporated in Wednesbury, West Midlands. Its registered office is located at 101 High Street, Moxley, Wednesbury, WS10 8RT.

Salary, hours and progression

£14,722.50 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. Training course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2). Hours: Friday 9 am-6 pm; Saturday Closed; Sunday Closed; Monday 9 am-6 pm; Tuesday 9 am-6 pm; Wednesday 9 am-6 pm; Thursday 9 am-4 pm.

Career progression

• This is the most common next step
• Requires further study and registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Pharmacy Technicians have more responsibility, including supervising assistants and handling complex dispensing tasks
• Senior Pharmacy Assistant: With experience, you may be promoted within a pharmacy setting
• This role may involve mentoring new apprentices, managing stock, or supporting with training
• Specialisation in a Clinical or Hospital Setting: You can move into hospital pharmacies or clinical support roles
• These settings often offer more structured career ladders and potential for NHS band progression
• Further Education or Healthcare Roles: Some progress into related roles like healthcare assistant, nursing, or health sciences
• With additional qualifications (e.g., Access to HE), university-level study becomes a viable path
• Managerial Roles in Retail Pharmacy: Over time, and with experience, some assistants progress into dispensary management or branch supervisor roles, especially in larger chains