Dispensary Assistant Apprentice (Central Surgery)

We are looking for a motivated and reliable apprentice Dispensing Assistant to join our dispensary team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in starting a career in pharmacy.

We are a GP surgery with approx 17,000 patients. We have a large team of clinicians and non‑clinical staff who work together to provide our local and extended community at our sites in Barton and Goxhill.

What You'll Do

You will support the safe and accurate preparation of prescriptions, help patients and customers, assist with stock control, and complete appropriate training while working under the supervision of experienced dispensary professionals. As a Trainee Dispensing Assistant, you will work as part of a busy surgery team to support the dispensing and supply of medicines to patients. You will receive training and supervision while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work safely and effectively in a dispensary environment. The role will involve:

• Helping to process prescriptions
• Preparing medicines for checking
• Generating labels
• Using the surgery clinical computer system
• Managing stock
• Providing excellent customer service

You do not need to have any previous experience of working in a dispensary or pharmacy and you will not be expected to work independently at first; all dispensing duties will be carried out under appropriate supervision until you are trained and assessed as competent. You will also be expected to follow dispensary standard operating procedures, maintain patient confidentiality, work accurately, and raise any queries or concerns with the dispensary manager or senior member of the team. This role is suitable for someone who is organised, careful, willing to learn, and interested in supporting patient care. The successful candidate will complete the Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship standard.

Duties

• Assist with receiving, interpreting and processing prescriptions under appropriate supervision
• Accurately assemble medicines ready for final checking by the team
• Use the clinical computer system to produce labels, update patient records and support prescription processing
• Refer medication queries, prescription issues, patient concerns or potential errors to a GP or supervisor
• Support the safe handout of prescriptions in line with workplace procedures
• Provide polite, professional and helpful service to patients and customers
• Answer general queries within the limits of the role and refer clinical or complex questions to the dispensary manager
• Receive, check, put away and rotate stock deliveries
• Support expiry date checking, stock control, ordering and returns
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe dispensary and pharmacy environment
• Follow standard operating procedures, health and safety requirements, safeguarding procedures and confidentiality rules
• Report near misses, incidents, dispensing errors or concerns in line with company procedures
• Complete all required training, coursework and workplace assessments within agreed timescales
• Work as part of the wider surgery team to support safe, efficient and patient‑focused services

Training Outcome

This role provides an excellent starting point for a career in pharmacy and healthcare. Following successful completion of training, the candidate may have opportunities to progress into roles such as Pre‑registration Pharmacy Technician, or wider roles in healthcare, medicines management, administration or training.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Numeracy skills
• Willingness to learn
• Customer service skills
• Reliable and punctual
• Willingly develop and learn
• Careful and accurate
• Honest and trustworthy
• Professional and respectful
• Friendly and approachable
• Calm under pressure
• Patient‑focused
• Ask for help when unsure
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Positive attitude
• Responsible and safety‑conscious

Qualifications

Essential: GCSE English and Maths 4/C or above, or equivalent

Course Information

Course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Health and science
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Days and shifts to be confirmed.
Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Training Provider: BUTTERCUPS TRAINING LIMITED

EEO Statement

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.