Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (PTPTs) are trained within the workplace and complete a two-year vocational training programme. Training consists of a knowledge programme completed alongside two years consecutive work-based experience under the direction of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Entry requirements: these will vary depending on the education provider but as a guide you might be expected to have the equivalent of four GCSEs grade C/level 4 or above in English language, Mathematics, Science and one other subject. You will also need to be working in a pharmacy environment under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Funding: HEE EoE pharmacy does not employ PTPTs or offer trainee bursaries, however, we do provide a financial training contribution to the employer. It is the responsibility of HEE to ensure the quality of work-based training for these learners, to ensure providers and the curriculum are fit for purpose and a safe and supportive learning environment is provided.
Education costs are paid via the apprenticeship funding route and applicants for PTPT positions must meet the apprenticeship requirements.
Further information regarding apprenticeship can be found on the HASO website.
Training placements: Most employers offering a PTPT apprenticeship advertise on NHS Jobs. Apprenticeship providers can also signpost you to employers that are recruiting apprentices.
Quality: HEE have a key role in ensuring trainees are in safe learning environments. HEE will not stipulate how much time your trust should allocate to individual study, this should be agreed with your Educational Supervisor (ES). Remember that you are continually learning and will have direct access to a whole range of healthcare staff that can support your development. There is a trainee support guide to assist you and your ES.
Registration: The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the independent regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. Upon successful completion of a GPhC approved course/qualification, individuals must register with the GPhC to practice as a pharmacy technician.
Further details on the registration process can be found on the GPhC Website.
Professional leadership: The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) is the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians and works on behalf of pharmacy technicians securing and advocating the pharmacy technician profession and advancing the profession’s education and scope of practice.
APTUK offers free membership to PTPTs whilst they are completing their two-year training programme. Visit their website for further information of what APTUK has to offer.
