Pharmacy Services
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Pharmacy Services like?
Do you want to contribute to the fight against illness? Study for an apprenticeship in pharmacy services and be part of an industry that’s committed to shaping Scotland’s medical future.
Discover how to prepare medical supplies for different customers. Learn how to prescribe over the counter medicine and ensure people receive the right products.
Whether you’re interested in prescriptions or holistic items, there’s a job for you in Scotland’s pharmacy services sector. Work as a pharmacist and provide customers with medical stock. Become a dispensing assistant and carry out administrative duties within a hospital. Work as a pharmacy technician and deliver high-quality customer service to patients.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 or 8.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 6
Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 8 (includes Professional Development Award (PDA) in Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 7)
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
Assist with the provision of pharmacy service to meet individual needs
Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
Contribute to the effectiveness of teams
Assist in the sales of medicines and products
Receive prescriptions from individuals
Assemble prescribed items
Order, receive and maintain pharmaceutical stock
Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products
Prepare aseptic products
Prepare documentation, materials, components and other items for the preparation of aseptic products
You will develop the following core skills:
Time management
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Communication
These transferrable skills are useful for working in other jobs such as business administration and nursing.
This Modern Apprenticeship gives you a range of options. Carry on your studies with a technical apprenticeship in medicine or go into full-time work.
Further education: Improve your medical knowledge by studying for a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy management or nursing. Your experience will support your university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Several roles are listed below:
Pharmacist
Dispensing assistant
Nurse
Pharmacy assistant
Clinical pharmacist
Pharmacy technician
Entry requirements
There are no set requirements for this apprenticeship. However, it is beneficial to have an interest in medicine and a desire to help patients.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
The Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6 will take between 12 and 24 months to complete.
The Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF level 8 will take between 24 and 36 months to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.