The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has partnered with training provider Skills 4 Pharmacy to provide Level 2 and Level 3 pharmacy apprenticeships to its members in England.
Skills 4 Pharmacy is an experienced pharmacy apprenticeship training provider dedicated to initiating and developing the careers of pharmacy support staff and technicians. They manage the recruitment of apprentices, as well as their enrolment and training.
The apprenticeship package offers a Level 2 Apprenticeship – Pharmacy support worker and Level 3 Apprenticeship – Pharmacy technician.
Amerjit Singh, Managing Director at Skills 4 Pharmacy said: “As a member for the last 23 years it is a great honour to be able to work alongside the NPA and promote apprenticeships.
“As contractors we are facing challenging times, however I firmly believe that apprenticeship programmes which upskill and empower our workforce are essential for our future survival. Apprenticeships are a great way to build a strong talent pipeline and bring new skills to pharmacies.
“The role of technicians, in particular, who on our courses will become ACT's, will help contractors to concentrate on new services and provide new funding streams. We look forward to working with Louise and NPA members wanting to utilise apprenticeships.”
Louise Baglole, Director of Professional Services and Development at the NPA said: “Offering an apprenticeship programme can help NPA members to recruit and strengthen their pharmacy team, while also boosting productivity. On average, an apprentice boosts productivity by £244 per week, according to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
“Demand for Level 3 apprenticeships has been building amongst our members and we are delighted now to be in a position to meet it. With this new partnership, we will be able to provide Level 2 and Level 3 pharmacy apprenticeships, so I look forward to working closely with Amerjit and the team.”
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre