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Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2

Study Area: Apprenticeships

Duration: 1 Year

Attendance: Part Time

Course Overview

The Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship is an ideal entry point for individuals looking to start a career in pharmacy or healthcare support. This apprenticeship is designed for those working in community, hospital or other healthcare pharmacy settings, providing essential support to pharmacy professionals and ensuring the safe and effective handling of medicines and customer care.

As a Pharmacy Services Assistant, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll work under the supervision of registered pharmacy professionals, developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality pharmacy services.

You will learn to:

Support the supply, preparation, and assembly of medicines
Assist with stock control, labelling and issuing of prescriptions
Understand relevant legislation, including health and safety and data protection
Handle customer and patient enquiries with professionalism and confidentiality
Maintain accurate records and support the pharmacy team in daily tasks
Promote healthy lifestyles through signposting and basic advice
Follow safe working practices and infection prevention procedures

To enrol on the Pharmacy Services Level 2 Apprenticeship, you must be employed in a relevant role with an employer who will support your learning and development throughout the programme. Apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, so securing a job in the sector is essential before you can begin your training. If you are not currently employed, you can explore our latest apprenticeship vacancies by visiting https://apprenticeships.calderdale.ac.uk/

We also encourage you to proactively contact local employers to ask if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. Many organisations are open to hiring apprentices once they understand the benefits. If an employer agrees to support your apprenticeship, please contact us at apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk so we can assess your suitability for the programme and begin the enrolment process.

Alternatively, if you are not yet in a role, you can apply for a full-time Health or Science-related course as a first step. If you secure a pharmacy-related apprenticeship during your studies, we can transfer you to the apprenticeship route.

Start Date

Various start dates

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

A minimum of GCSE Grade 4 / C or above in English and Maths is preferred. If you do not hold these qualifications, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. For learners aged 19 and over, this requirement will be reviewed and agreed in consultation with your employer as part of the enrolment process.

Progression

Upon successful completion, apprentices can progress to a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship, other healthcare or science-based roles or training programmes or a permanent roles in community or hospital pharmacy settings.

Career Opportunities
Pharmacy Assistant, Dispensing Assistant, Health Care Support Worker

Further progression may include becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician or moving into specialist areas such as procurement, clinical trials, or medicines management. This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation for a rewarding career in pharmacy and wider healthcare services.

Assessment Methods

The apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of remote and classroom-based learning at the College, alongside workplace visits from your dedicated Training and Development Officer.

You will receive ongoing support throughout the programme, with your employer actively involved in progress reviews to ensure you stay on track and achieve your full potential.

All apprentices on the Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship will be required to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to successfully achieve the qualification. The EPA is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve developed throughout your apprenticeship.

The EPA is carried out by an independent assessment organisation to ensure fair and consistent standards. Calderdale College will support you in preparing for this final stage to help you succeed.

Course Fees

Apprenticeship training is fully funded by your employer—either through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment, depending on the size of the organisation. As an apprentice, you will not pay for your training or assessment.