Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised 16-month programme 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 range 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, aligned with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards.

The programme currently includes a 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA) period, although this may change in line with upcoming apprenticeship reforms.

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for individuals starting their career in pharmacy. It is suitable for learners working within community pharmacies, hospitals, GP practices, dispensing settings, and other healthcare environments where they can develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for the role.

The programme is ideal for pharmacy assistants, dispensing assistants, and support staff looking to build confidence, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and develop a strong foundation for progression within the pharmacy sector.

Employers benefit from developing competent, confident pharmacy support staff who contribute to safe practice, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient care.

To enrol onto the Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship, learners must:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the past three years
• Be employed within a pharmacy or healthcare setting for a minimum of 21 hours per week (depending on workplace requirements)
• Work within a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)-registered pharmacy premises
• Work under the supervision of a registered Pharmacist or registered Pharmacy Technician
• Not be in full-time education or on another government-funded programme
• Meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements

Learners aged 16–18 who do not already hold English and Maths at Grade 3/D or above will also be required to complete Functional Skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship.

We’ve created a helpful learner guide explaining Pharmacy apprenticeship entry requirements in more detail, including Functional Skills, employer requirements, and programme eligibility:

https://tendtraining.co.uk/knowledge-hub/getting-started-with-tend-entry-requirements-for-pharmacy-apprenticeships/

Learners aged 16–18 who do not already hold English and Maths at Grade 3/D or above will be required to complete Functional Skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship. Learners must achieve at least Level 1 Functional Skills and attempt Level 2 before progressing to the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Depending on initial assessment outcomes, learners may begin directly at Level 2 or complete Level 1 before progressing further.

Learners aged 19+ are exempt from this requirement in line with standard apprenticeship funding rules.

The apprenticeship is designed to be completed over 16 months, including the current End Point Assessment (EPA) period. 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 current End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is designed to confirm that learners can apply their knowledge and skills safely and effectively within a pharmacy setting.

The EPA currently includes:

• Observation of receiving stock
• Observation of dispensing activities
• A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
• A timed assessment

Apprentices are fully supported and prepared throughout the programme by experienced tend Development Coaches.

Please note: Due to upcoming apprenticeship reforms, the EPA requirements for this programme may change in future updates to the apprenticeship standard.

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.

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.

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for learners starting their career in pharmacy and focuses on developing the foundational knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to support pharmacy services safely and effectively.

The Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship is a more advanced programme designed for learners taking on greater responsibility within pharmacy settings, including supporting the preparation and supply of medicines and working more independently within regulated pharmacy environments.

We’ve created a detailed guide comparing both pharmacy apprenticeship pathways, including entry requirements, responsibilities, progression opportunities, and career outcomes.

Read our guide:
https://tendtraining.co.uk/knowledge-hub/understanding-pharmacy-apprenticeships-at-tend/

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.

As part of the apprenticeship, learners complete the embedded Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff, aligned with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards.

This nationally recognised qualification supports learners in developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required to work safely and effectively within pharmacy settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and primary care environments.

The qualification is completed alongside workplace learning and supports progression into advanced pharmacy and healthcare roles, including the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship.