We're delighted to announce that Buttercups Training Ltd now has some funding for training dispensary staff in Dispensing Doctors' practices in England to level 3. We have a sizeable number of Advanced Apprenticeships (the technician's course).
Apprenticeships can reduce recruitment fees too, although these Apprenticeships are certainly not reserved for new employees, nor the under 25s.
So what? Dispensers aren’t eligible for level 3 training are they?
It’s great news that this has come at the same time as the change in qualification and assessment strategy meaning that Dispensing Doctors’ dispensers can be trained to level 3 in their workplace. Dispensing Doctors will need plenty of support training these staff on unfamiliar programmes and Buttercups intends to give it. Along with our unrivalled 24/7 help-line, and online as well as paper-based courses, we are going to visit all your learners on the level 3 programmes, whether you are on a government funded programme or not.
The fee is £850 + VAT per year (two year programme) for non funded learners, or a one-off fee of £695 + VAT as an employer's contribution for the government funded Advanced Apprenticeship.
Why complete a level 3?
Dispensers are thirsty for knowledge about diseases and their management, and they are in an ideal place to improve concordance and reduce waste. With the right training and knowledge they can help patients with self management of chronic conditions. The course delivers a good grounding in scientific principles relevant to the pharmacy sector, human physiology, diseases and management. It also covers some surprising areas such as training staff, and CPD. A nationally recognised qualification for a senior member of staff is not only motivating - it’s a must for your patients.
Of course there's always a catch, and the learners do have to meet certain eligibility criteria for the reduced fees...
Screening for Funding
Advanced Apprenticeships in England
Candidates must meet the Skills Funding Agency eligibility criteria. They must have either been a resident in the UK and Islands for three years prior to enrolment, or have been a national of the European Union for three years. They must be aged 16 years old or above. Unfortunately, anyone who has obtained a higher education qualification at level 4 or above, including a first degree by a recognised university or college, is ineligible for Apprenticeship funding. Candidates can already hold an unrelated vocational level 3 qualification, but cannot hold an academic level 3 qualification such as an A level.
Employers can advertise vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website. There really aren’t many for pharmacy technicians or dispensers on there - take a look! There are plenty of potential Advanced Apprentices looking for work.
The National Apprenticeship Service matches candidates to suitable vacancies. From October 2010, you need to pay a minimum hourly rate of £2.50 for the first year. After that the salary must meet the Minimum Wage Regulations. Apprentices must work for a minimum of 16 hours a week.
The learners are enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) QCF (formerly known as the NVQ 3 in Pharmacy Services) and the Technical Certificate. Key Skills are also delivered as part of the programme.
The full qualification takes about two years to complete.
This has got to be allocated on a first come first served basis, so if you want your staff to be screened for eligibility then complete the enrolment form and return it to Buttercups Training as soon as possible. Buttercups Training will contact you to find out how you want to proceed if the staff member isn’t eligible.