Pharmacy Dispensing Apprentice

Pharmacy Dispensing Apprentice – “The Robot Room”

J. Docter Limited, an independent pharmacy chain in the West Midlands. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Pharmacy Dispensing Apprentice to join our specialist MDS (Multi\-Dose System) Robot Room.

This is a unique opportunity to gain practical pharmacy experience in a specialist dispensing environment, working alongside experienced dispensers and pharmacists. You will play an important role in preparing medication trays for patients across our five pharmacy branches, while developing valuable skills and knowledge that will support your future career in pharmacy.

About the Role

Our Robot Room is a dedicated MDS production area containing a SynMed XF dispensing robot, capable of holding and dispensing hundreds of different medications.

Working as part of the Robot Room team, you will be involved in the full MDS dispensing process, from receiving and analysing patient medication information, through to preparing, dispensing, checking and completing trays ready for the pharmacist's final clinical check.

You will work closely with the team to ensure that medicines are supplied accurately, safely and on time.

Key Responsibilities

As a Pharmacy Dispensing Apprentice, your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and processing patient medication files received from our five pharmacy branches.


• Analysing prescriptions and identifying medicines that need to be supplied outside of the robot.


• Selecting and dispensing external medicines into the correct tray and time slot. Using barcode scanning systems to check that the correct medication has been selected. Operating the SynMed XF MDS dispensing robot.


• Loading patient trays into the robot and monitoring the production process. Responding appropriately to robot alerts and errors, including low medication levels and dispensing issues.


• Replenishing medication within the robot using established procedures and barcode checks. Checking completed MDS trays to ensure the correct medicines have been dispensed into the correct slots.


• Checking tablet appearance and descriptions and identifying differences between manufacturers or brands.


• Preparing and applying patient\-specific MDS cards and seals.


• Identifying dispensing and labelling errors and escalating or correcting them appropriately. Preparing completed trays for the pharmacist's final accuracy and clinical check. Ordering stock for both the Robot Room and external medication requirements.


• Monitoring stock levels, identifying fast\-moving medicines and ensuring sufficient stock is available.


• Receiving deliveries and correctly storing medicines.


• Using the pharmacy's PMR and stock/order systems when required.


• Working in accordance with pharmacy procedures, legal requirements and patient\-safety standards.

What Makes This Role Different?

The Robot Room provides apprentices with experience that goes beyond traditional pharmacy dispensing.

You will develop an understanding of:

• Prescription and medication information.


• MDS dispensing systems.


• Automated dispensing technology.


• Medication identification and tablet recognition.


• Accuracy checking.


• Stock control and ordering.


• Barcode verification systems.


• Patient\-specific medication requirements.


• Dispensing processes and quality control.


• The importance of accurate labelling and instructions.


• Working safely and efficiently in a high\-volume dispensing environment.

You will also gain experience of how mistakes in the prescribing, labelling or dispensing process can affect the entire supply chain, helping you understand why accuracy, attention to detail and patient safety are essential in pharmacy.

Training \& Development

You will receive full training on our systems, equipment and procedures and will work under the supervision of experienced pharmacy staff and pharmacists.

Although the majority of your role will be based in the Robot Room, you will also gain an understanding of the wider pharmacy environment, including prescription processing, labelling and preparing prescriptions for collection.

The role is designed to give you practical experience that complements your formal apprenticeship training and helps you build the knowledge, confidence and professional skills required for a successful career in pharmacy.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Accurate and highly organised, with excellent attention to detail.


• Reliable and responsible, particularly when working with medicines.


• Interested in pharmacy, healthcare and patient care.


• Comfortable following detailed procedures and instructions.


• Able to work independently while also being part of a team.


• A good communicator who is willing to ask questions and learn.


• Able to work methodically in a busy environment.


• Interested in technology and learning how automated dispensing systems work. Willing to take responsibility for maintaining high standards of accuracy and stock control.

Previous pharmacy experience is not essential. What matters most is your attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to working safely and accurately.

Why Join J. Docter Pharmacy?

This is an opportunity to develop specialist dispensing skills in an environment that combines pharmacy, technology, stock management and patient care.

You will become part of a team responsible for preparing medicines for patients across five branches and will develop practical skills that can benefit you throughout your pharmacy career.

If you are looking for an apprenticeship where you can learn, take responsibility and gain experience in a genuinely specialist area of pharmacy, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply through Indeed, and we can then pass your application on to our training provider, CoreEd, for screening.

Entry requirements / Training Provider

CoreEd Training has rigorous entry criteria for learners wishing to enrol on this course. These include:

• Preferred GCSEs in English and Maths at grades 9 to 4 (A\* to C)


• Level 1 English and Maths Functional Skills


• Residency in the UK/EEA/EU for the last 3 years and the ability to remain in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship


• The ability to meet programme modules through the job role Learners without English and Maths GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills will need to complete additional Functional Skills learning. Functional Skills support learning at Level 2\. CoreEd Training strongly advises learners to complete these qualifications if they do not already have them.

Learners will be assigned a dedicated skills tutor and will receive access to Aptem, our e\-portfolio system. Digital resource modules will be accessed here and will be complemented by taught virtual learning sessions.

You will have regular contact with your skills tutor and will take part in progress reviews throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. CoreEd Training will facilitate contact either face\-to\-face or via Microsoft Teams.

The end\-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of the apprenticeship. You will be supported to prepare for it throughout the duration of the course by completing your portfolio, gathering evidence, taking part in mock discussions, and learning how the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) link to your workplace role.

Once all mandatory elements of the course have been completed, you will go through the Gateway process. This is a formal readiness check; a meeting between you, your employer, and your skills tutor to decide whether you are ready to take the EPA. If agreed, you will enter the EPA period.

The EPA consists of:

• Case study


• Direct observation


• Professional discussion

An independent assessor will determine your grade, awarding either a Pass or Distinction.

Pay: £8\.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37\.5 per week

Work Location: In person

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