At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in pharmacy operations, handle customer queries, and manage stock control.
- Company: Oaks Pharmacy, a friendly independent pharmacy dedicated to community health.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship from professionals, and potential career progression.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with every other Saturday; excellent growth opportunities in the pharmacy sector.
- Why this job: Start your pharmacy career with hands-on training and make a difference in patient care.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science preferred; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 28530 - 34870 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to begin your career in the pharmacy dispensing sector. This pharmacy is located in a busy locality and provides an excellent customer service experience for patients and visitors. If you are looking for a career in pharmacy, you will be mentored by medical professionals and have the opportunity to progress within your role.
Oaks Pharmacy is a friendly independent pharmacy based in an easy to reach shopping centre in Selly Oak. Our patients' health and happiness is at the heart of our work. We take pride in having served our local community and continue to strive to meet their needs.
What You'll Do
- Handling customer queries in confidence
- Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements
- Operation of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
- Ensuring that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions
- Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook
- Ensuring that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
- Maintaining full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions
- Ordering and unpacking drugs and dressings
- Dispensing and checking repeat prescriptions and prescriptions from surgeries under the supervision of a dispenser
- Taking orders for repeats and dealing with queries from district nurses and support staff
- Using the computer to keep records up to date
- Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
- Handling controlled drugs (and keeping register)
- Handling prescription money and operating/balancing the till
- Assisting when required to meet targets in relation to dispensing doctors' scheme
- Assisting in stock checks
Training Outcome
Following successful completion of the training, an apprentice could be qualified to work as a dispensing assistant in Community Pharmacies. Should they wish to continue training, accuracy checking roles present an interesting progression. Further training can lead to a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Qualifications
- Desired - GCSE - English - C/4 or above
- Desired - GCSE - Maths - C/4 or above
- Desired - GCSE - Science - C/4 or above
Course Information
- Course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
- Level: 2
- Route: Health and science
- Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
- Working Week: Monday - Friday. 11:30am - 6.00pm. You would be required to work every other Saturday.
- Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months
- Training Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant employer: Oaks Pharmacy
Oaks Pharmacy is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where you can learn directly from experienced medical professionals. Located in the vibrant community of Selly Oak, this apprenticeship provides not only valuable hands-on experience but also a clear pathway for career advancement in the pharmacy sector, making it an ideal starting point for your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant
✨Get Clued Up on the Industry
Dive into forums and online communities dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry. Websites like PharmaTimes and LinkedIn groups can be gold mines for insight and networking opportunities. Plus, knowing the latest trends and innovations can really set you apart in interviews!
✨Tap into Your Local Talent Pools
Attend career fairs and events at local universities or colleges focused on healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Engaging with industry professionals will give you a leg-up when you're chasing that Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant role at Oaks Pharmacy. Don’t underestimate the power of local connections!
✨Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Have a short, snappy elevator pitch ready that highlights your passion for pharmaceuticals and what you can bring to the table as an apprentice. It’ll not only make you memorable during networking but also help you make a solid impression during interviews.
✨Apply Early and Often!
Keep an eye on apprenticeship opportunities, as they can come up quickly and have tight deadlines. We recommend checking out the careers section on our website regularly for openings at Oaks Pharmacy. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of landing that coveted spot!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Coursework:Since you're applying for an apprenticeship in the pharmaceutical industry, make sure to showcase relevant coursework from your studies. Courses in biology, chemistry, or pharmacology can demonstrate your foundational knowledge and interest in the field. Let us see how your academic background can bring value to Oaks Pharmacy!
Showcase Technical Skills:Pharmaceutical roles often require specific technical skills, so don't hold back! If you have experience with laboratory techniques, software used in pharmaceutical research, or any relevant certifications, include these in your CV. This will show us at Oaks Pharmacy that you're ready to jump right in and contribute.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:In your cover letter, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the pharmaceutical sector. Apprenticeships are all about gaining experience, so let us know how keen you are to pick up new skills and insights while working at Oaks Pharmacy. A positive attitude can be a huge asset for us!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Instead of sending a generic CV, customise it for the apprenticeship at Oaks Pharmacy. Include any relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or projects that relate to pharmaceuticals. This personal touch will help us see how well you fit with the company and the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaks Pharmacy
✨Brush Up on Your Industry Knowledge
Make sure we know the latest trends and breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical industry. Being able to discuss recent developments or ongoing issues not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates that you're serious about the field. Check out recent news articles or journals to get up to speed.
✨Understand Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Given that we’re aiming for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, being familiar with GLP is key. They're likely to ask about compliance and safety protocols in interviews. Brush up on these practices and be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied similar standards in your past experiences, even if they're from school or hobbies.
✨Showcase Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, employers will be keen to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. Think about how you can convey your passion for the pharmaceutical industry and your commitment to developing your skills. Have examples ready of situations where you've successfully adapted and learned new things.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
In pharmaceutical interviews, we might face practical assessments or scenarios relevant to the role. Expect to tackle problem-solving tasks that test your analytical skills. Practise these kinds of scenarios to confidently showcase your abilities when asked. It’ll help us stand out as practical thinkers who can apply our knowledge effectively.
