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High street pharmacy Boots is launching a pharmacy technician apprenticeship scheme for aspiring young healthcare professionals this September.
Boots UK is piloting the Pharmacy Technicians Healthcare Apprenticeship programme in four areas across the country, including the Midlands, Eastern England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and Wales and it will take on around 70 new apprentices.
The two-year programme will offer people aged 18 to 24 the chance to gain a Level 3 Technical Certificate in pharmaceutical science, and an NVQ Level 3 in pharmacy service skills, which is the nationally recognised pharmacy technician qualification.
Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) president, Tess Fenn, said the scheme was “an excellent opportunity for a dedicated young person to start their professional career as a pharmacy technician supported by an apprenticeship programme”.
She said she was “delighted” that Boots was offering these places “as the role of pharmacy technicians is expanding and evolving at a pace that is required to meet the healthcare needs of a growing population”.
Commenting on the apprenticeship scheme, Boots UK pharmacy director, Richard Bradley, said: “Providing exceptional patient care is at the heart of what we do, and we’re looking for young people who will be the future of pharmacy to join our business. This is an exciting opportunity for young people who are looking for a brilliant platform to launch their careers in community healthcare.”
NVQ Level 2 apprenticeships continue
The Boots Pharmacy Healthcare Colleague NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship programme will also run again this year for those aged 16 to 24 who are looking to gain a pharmacy adviser qualification. During this 12-month programme, young people will be fully trained so they can offer industry-leading healthcare advice and dispense medication within the pharmacy.
More information on all Boots UK apprenticeship programmes can be found at boots.jobs/talentprogrammes/apprentices. Applications close 10 August 2017.
