Apprentice Pharmacy Assistant

Key Duties and Responsibilities1. Customer Service & Counter Assistant Duties

• Provide a welcoming, professional, and helpful service to all customers.
• Assist customers in selecting appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (once trained and under supervision).
• Ask relevant questions to ensure safe supply of medicines, referring all complex or clinical queries to the pharmacist.
• Process sales, handle cash/card transactions, and maintain accurate till records.
• Promote pharmacy services such as flu vaccinations, NHS services, and health checks.
• Support with merchandising, stock rotation on the shop floor, and maintaining tidy retail displays.

2. Dispensary Support

• Assist in the assembly, labelling, and dispensing of NHS and private prescriptions under supervision.
• Learn to interpret prescription information and understand common pharmacy terminology.
• Support with preparing monitored dosage systems (MDS/blister packs) where applicable.
• Maintain an organised, clean, and compliant dispensary area.

3. Stock and Inventory Management

• Receive, check, and store incoming medicines and retail stock according to SOPs.
• Check expiry dates, rotate stock, and manage returns and recalls.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages to the pharmacy team.
• Help maintain accurate records and support ordering processes.

4. Compliance and Administration

• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GPhC standards, and legal requirements.
• Maintain secure storage and accurate documentation for Controlled Drugs (under supervision).
• Complete fridge temperature checks, date checking, and daily/weekly logs as required.
• Ensure confidentiality and GDPR compliance is upheld at all times.

5. General Duties

• Support the pharmacy team with daily operational tasks.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and organised work environment.
• Participate actively in apprenticeship training, assessments, and reviews.
• Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude and commitment to learning.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Excellent customer-service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Friendly, approachable, and confident with customers.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Willingness to learn and complete all apprenticeship requirements.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work in a busy environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• No previous experience required.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths preferred, or willingness to complete Functional Skills during the apprenticeship.
• Eligibility to undertake a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship.

Desirable:

• Previous retail or customer-service experience.
• Interest in healthcare or pharmacy.

Progression Opportunities

• Upon successful completion: Qualified Pharmacy Services Assistant (Level 2).
• Future career paths may include:
• Dispensary Assistant / Senior Dispenser
• Pharmacy Technician (Level 3 NVQ)
• Health Advisor / Pharmacy Supervisor

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm, Apprenticeship, Zero hours contract
Contract length: 18 months

Pay: From £8.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Work Location: In person