Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is a 13-month, nationally recognised programme, followed by a 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA), designed for individuals beginning their career in pharmacy. It provides a structured introduction to the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to work safely, ethically, and effectively in a variety of pharmacy settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and primary care environments.

Learners complete the embedded Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff, fully aligned with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards.

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals starting their career in pharmacy. Learners must be employed in a pharmacy or healthcare setting and have the right to work in the UK, having been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the past three years.

Learners without Level 2 English or Maths can complete these alongside the programme with full support. Employers benefit from investing in a structured development pathway that builds competent, confident staff, strengthens team capability, and supports compliance with professional and regulatory standards.

The apprenticeship is designed to be completed over 13 months, followed by a 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA). During this time, learners combine practical, on-the-job experience with structured learning, skills development, and assessments.

This blended approach allows apprentices to apply their knowledge and skills directly in their day-to-day pharmacy duties, reinforcing learning through real-world practice. By the end of the programme, learners will have the confidence, professional behaviours, and foundational technical expertise to work safely, effectively, and ethically in community, hospital, or primary care pharmacy settings.

This apprenticeship is delivered through a flexible blended learning approach, combining on-the-job experience, online learning, and regular one-to-one coaching. Apprentices develop their knowledge and skills through real-world pharmacy scenarios, applying learning to tasks such as dispensing, stock management, patient care, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Off-the-job learning is incorporated into the apprentice’s role, ensuring development without disrupting day-to-day pharmacy operations. Experienced Development Coaches provide personalised guidance, feedback, and support throughout the programme, helping learners achieve professional competence and meet both organisational and regulatory expectations.

The End Point Assessment is an independent review confirming that apprentices meet the professional standards expected of a Pharmacy Services Assistant. 

It includes:

• A professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating how the apprentice meets key competencies
• Practical observation of workplace tasks, assessing real-world application of skills
• Scenario-based questioning to test understanding of ethical, legal, and patient-focused practice

Successfully completing the EPA confirms that the apprentice is competent to perform their role to nationally recognised standards, providing employers with confidence in their staff’s professionalism and readiness to contribute to safe, effective, and patient-centred pharmacy services.

Learners develop the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to work confidently and effectively within a pharmacy team. The programme builds practical competence and professional awareness through real workplace experience and structured learning.

Key skills include:

• Safe dispensing and accurate handling of medicines
• Stock control and inventory management to maintain compliance and efficiency
• Understanding legislation and ethical frameworks that guide pharmacy practice
• Effective communication with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals
• Record-keeping and confidentiality, ensuring data protection and professionalism
• Teamwork and workflow management to support smooth, safe pharmacy operations

The apprenticeship also encourages ethical decision-making, personal accountability, and continuous improvement—helping learners grow into capable, confident pharmacy support professionals.

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is particularly valuable for individuals starting out in pharmacy or healthcare support roles. It’s ideal for those who want to build essential knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively within a pharmacy team.

Roles that benefit most include:

• Pharmacy Assistants and Dispensing Assistants in community, hospital, or primary care settings
• Healthcare Support Workers involved in the supply, storage, and handling of medicines
• Team members supporting pharmacists or pharmacy technicians in delivering patient-focused services

Employers benefit from developing capable, confident staff who understand safe working practices, maintain compliance with professional standards, and contribute to the smooth, efficient running of pharmacy services. This apprenticeship also provides a clear progression pathway towards advanced roles, including the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship.

There can be no tuition fees for employers. The Pharmacy Services Assistant programme is up to 100% fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment for smaller organisations. This makes it a cost-effective way to train future Pharmacy Assistants who can meet GPhC standards and reduce recruitment challenges. Employers only need to provide support for off-the-job training, which delivers long-term returns through improved service quality, staff retention and patient safety.

On successful completion, apprentices achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff, aligned with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards.

This qualification provides a strong foundation for continued professional development and career progression within the pharmacy sector. Graduates can:

• Progress onto the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship, leading to GPhC registration
• Take on greater responsibility within their current role, supporting service quality and patient care
• Explore wider opportunities in healthcare, dispensing, or medicines management roles

The apprenticeship builds confidence, competence, and a commitment to lifelong learning—helping learners take the next step towards a rewarding career in pharmacy.

tend provides comprehensive support throughout the Level 2 Pharmacy Assistant apprenticeship. Learners receive regular one-to-one sessions with experienced tend Development Coaches who guide progress, offer feedback and ensure readiness for assessment. Employers are kept informed through structured reviews and progress reports, aligning training with workplace priorities. This collaborative approach ensures apprentices succeed in their development while delivering measurable benefits to the pharmacy team and wider organisation.