Douglas Pharmacy - Pharmacy assistant Apprenticeship- NE3 4XN

Douglas Pharmacy - 17 Ashburton Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4XN

As an Apprentice Pharmacy Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the daily operations of the pharmacy while completing your apprenticeship training. Working under the supervision of registered pharmacy professionals, you will help ensure the safe, efficient, and effective supply of medicines and healthcare advice to our customers. You will gain practical experience in dispensing, stock management, and customer service, while also working towards your Pharmacy Services Assistant qualification.

Duties:

• Assist in the selection, labelling, and dispensing of pharmaceutical products in accordance with prescriptions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional requirements at all times.
• Support the accurate and timely processing of NHS and private prescriptions.
• Participate in monthly NHS prescription submissions to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Contribute to the accuracy of purchasing, dispensing and endorsing to maximise reimbursement.
• Deliver high standards of customer service, responding to general health and OTC (over-the-counter) enquiries.
• Use approved protocols and your knowledge to recommend suitable products and advise on their correct use.
• Provide information on leading a healthy lifestyle and refer customers to the pharmacist where appropriate.
• Receive and check deliveries, sort and store stock in line with SOPs.
• Ensure appropriate storage and handling of all medicines and products.
• Assist in stock control activities, including maintaining adequate stock levels and expiry date management.
• Help prepare Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS) and support services to care homes and other care settings.
• Work with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of patient care, particularly across primary and secondary care.
• Operate the till and card machines, maintaining accurate cash handling practices.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and security in both the retail and dispensary areas.
• Keep up to date with product knowledge, industry news, and training resources.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by line management to support the smooth running of the pharmacy.

Requirements:

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills:

• Customer care skills
• Initiative

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Willingness to learn and a strong commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions.
• A caring and empathetic attitude towards customers and patients.
• Basic numeracy, literacy, and IT skills.

This role is dependent on successful enrolment onto an approved apprenticeship programme and is subject to eligibility checks.

Training:

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. Actively participate in the Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship programme in coordination with the training provider and under the guidance of the pharmacy team. Complete all required coursework, assessments, and training modules in line with the apprenticeship framework.

After this apprenticeship:

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 you can move onto the Level 3 Pharmacy technician.

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Hours: 40