Getting started with tend: Entry Requirements for Pharmacy apprenticeships

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Know what you need to get in

Thinking about starting a career in pharmacy? Understanding what’s needed before you begin is an absolute must; but, how do you begin to know where to begin?

The answer is: right here.

In this guide, you’ll find a simple breakdown of the entry requirements for both the Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant and the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeships offered by tend, along with advice on health declarations and what to expect during the enrolment process.

Entry requirements: Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant

To get started on this apprenticeship, you’ll need to:

• 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 enrolled on another government-funded programme while completing the apprenticeship
• Meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements

Is the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship right for you?

The Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship is designed for learners looking to build a rewarding career as a registered Pharmacy Technician. It is primarily suitable for individuals working in community pharmacies and hospitals, where they can develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience required for the role.

Individuals working in GP practices or other healthcare settings may also be eligible; however, suitability will depend on individual circumstances and workplace arrangements. Our team can discuss your role and working environment to determine whether the programme is the right fit for you.

Entry requirements: Level 3 Pharmacy Technician

This programme has a few additional requirements due to the nature of the role. For this one, you’ll need to:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK, EU or EEA for at least the past three years
• Be employed in a GPhC-registered pharmacy setting
• Work a minimum of 21 hours per week
• Work under the supervision of a registered Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician in the workplace
• Have a designated Educational Supervisor (Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician) responsible for apprenticeship oversight and progress reviews
• Not be employed in an online pharmacy or GP surgery unless part of a formal rotation agreement with a community pharmacy
• Meet pre-screening requirements, including health, character and English and Maths ability
• Provide a clear DBS check and satisfactory reference
• Not be in full-time education or on another government-funded programme
• Not already hold a qualification at the same level
• Meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements

Functional skills: English and Maths

English and Maths requirements differ depending on which Pharmacy apprenticeship you choose.

Functional Skill Requirements: Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship

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 their initial assessment results, learners may begin directly at Level 2 or complete Level 1 before progressing further.

Learners aged 19 and over are exempt from this requirement in line with current apprenticeship funding rules.

Functional Skill Requirements: Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship

Due to General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) requirements, learners must already hold English and Maths qualifications at Grade 4/C or above before enrolling onto the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship.

Unlike some apprenticeship programmes, Functional Skills cannot be completed alongside this apprenticeship, as English and Maths are mandatory entry requirements for programme approval and progression towards Pharmacy Technician registration.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements for either programme, our team will be happy to discuss your eligibility and help you identify the most suitable pathway.

tend provides support throughout the enrolment process and apprenticeship journey. Where Functional Skills form part of the apprenticeship requirements, learners will have access to virtual learning sessions, resources, and guidance from their Development Coach to help them achieve their qualifications.

What does the health and character check entail?

You might be asked to complete a health declaration during enrolment. Don’t worry! This is completely normal for healthcare-related roles.

It simply means:

• Confirming you’re able to carry out your role safely in a pharmacy setting
• Identifying if any support or adjustment may be needed

Having a health condition doesn’t prevent you from starting your apprenticeship. It just ensures the right support is in place for you to succeed.

For the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship, you’ll also complete:

• A DBS check (to confirm suitability to work with patients and the public)
• A character reference (from someone who can vouch for you personally)

These two additional elements help funding bodies and employers to know you have no previous convictions, and that you are a sound investment.

What happens next?

At tend, you won’t be expected to figure all of this out alone. Our team will support you every step of the way.

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

• Check your eligibility: We’ll confirm your right to work and residency status
• Complete initial assessments: These help us understand your current level in English, Maths, and Science (Level 3 only)
• Complete your health declaration: This is issued during enrolment and completed as part of the onboarding process
• DBS check and reference (Level 3 only): This is usually supported by your employer
• Review your qualifications: We’ll check your previous learning to make sure the programme is right for you

You’ll be guided through each stage by our Enrolment Team, and updated as you go along.

Useful links

To help you get started, here are some useful resources:

• DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)
• DBS Guidance (What it is and how it works)
• Right to Work in the UK
• Pharmacy Technician Register (GPhC)
• Pharmacist Register (GPhC)
• Pharmacy premises register (GPhC)

Visiting these links will help you learn more about each element of the process.

Know which pharmacy apprenticeship is right for you

Still deciding which course suits your needs best? tend has some articles right here on the website that tell you a little bit more about each apprenticeship:

• What is a Pharmacy Services Assistant?
• What is a Pharmacy Technician?
• Understanding Pharmacy Apprenticeships with tend

Information included in these articles talks about things like related roles, responsibilities, and progression opportunities.

Your pharmacy career starts here

Starting anything new can feel daunting. tend is here to make the process as smooth as possible. We’re in support of your success from minute one.

If you have any questions about the requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team will talk you through it, and make sure you feel confident before you begin your learning journey.

For more guidance on pharmacy apprenticeships and entry requirements, reach out to the tend team today. Call 01753 596 004 or hit the button below.