Pharmacy services - level 3 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and criteria for the delivery of level 3 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the dispensing pharmaceutical Industry.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the industry sector.

Statement from Pearson

Statement from Pearson in regards to evidence requirements for Unit 7 (Undertake Medicines Reconciliation and Supply) of the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

Pearson would like to clarify that Learning Outcomes 2, 3, and 4 for Unit 7 (Undertake Medicines Reconciliation and Supply) of the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians allows for the following sources as acceptable student/learner evidence.

• Redacted hospital discharge records
• Direct interviews/discussions with patients – ensuring patient confidentiality is respected

Available Patient Medical Records/History may also be used for the purpose of medicines reconciliation.

These sources of evidence are in addition to the suggested sources given in the specification (for example under the Content of Learning Outcome 3). It should also be noted that the suggested sources are not an exhaustive list and that the available evidence will be affected by your local context. Where clarity is required, get in touch either with Pearson directly or your allocated Standards Verifier

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in pharmacy services will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete the combined qualification below, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, apprentices must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 2
• communication – level 2
• information and communication technology – level 2

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

Apprentices need to complete the combined qualification, from the list below.

Combined competence and knowledge and skills based qualification:

• Pearson BTEC level 3 diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians 603/5160/3

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.

Employers may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 framework in pharmacy services. You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you:

• have already gained significant work experience in your occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the relevant level 2 framework and can show the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
• have previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 apprenticeshipsni pharmacy services framework

See also the DfE apprenticeship guidelines and operational requirements. 

Related knowledge

For this framework, you must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training suppliers that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/ college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework No 387 Issue 7: 06/23) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. 

For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch