Pharmacy Dispenser Apprenticeship

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. Duties include dispensing medication and supporting with housekeeping duties such as stock rotation.

What you'll do

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Working alongside a fully trained and diverse dispensing team, helping in the prescription process
• Dealing with customer requests and queries, both in person and over the phone
• Liaising with doctors' 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

Training

• Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
• 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
• All the training is onsite, and you do not need to attend off-site college days to complete this apprenticeship
• An e-learning portfolio plus onsite tutors will help you progress to a Level 2 Pharmacy Dispenser qualification, which is a requirement to work in any pharmacy in the UK

After the apprenticeship

Career progression at the end of the apprenticeship can result in promotion within Citywide Health, or opportunities with local hospital or GP practices, or training to become a practising pharmacist.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Patience

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

• 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 able to work independently
• Take on feedback and listen to directions

About the employer

Citywide Health is York's leading independent pharmacy group, providing NHS and private healthcare services across multiple community pharmacy locations.

Our pharmacies offer a wide range of services including prescription dispensing, Pharmacy First, travel vaccinations, blood pressure checks, flu and COVID vaccinations, weight management support and other clinical services.

We pride ourselves on delivering friendly, professional healthcare whilst supporting and developing our team members to build long-term careers within pharmacy and healthcare.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2), Health and science
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: BRADFORD COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Days and shifts to be confirmed. Apprenticeships may involve evenings and weekend working, but is dependent on the pharmacy opening times.
• Start date: 7 November 2026
• Positions available: 4
• Wage: £16,640 a year