The pharmacy chain launched the three-year diploma to better prepare its “most talented and proactive pharmacists” for the “changing landscape” of community pharmacy, it said.

Well’s first-ever Expert Clinical Practice Programme has attracted “over 100 applicants” since it was announced in December, and the chain is currently creating a shortlist for the 50 spaces available across its 780 pharmacies in the UK, it said.

Well learning and development professional programme manager Michaela Probert said the programme will address the current shortage of talent to meet the "challenges of the future".

“There will be more clinical and professional roles available as the industry changes,” she said.

“At the moment, the talent pool to fill such positions isn’t able to provide the people with the right high-level skills.

“We encourage our pharmacists to ready themselves for the challenges of the future with the appropriate skills and tools provided through the programme,” she added.

Pharmacists in "wider healthcare"

The diploma is delivered by Keele University and is open to employees who have been with Well for a minimum of 12 months.

It will include “optional modules”, to allow pharmacists to explore areas of interest and progress into other roles, Ms Probert said.

Elizabeth Mills, director of pharmacy postgraduate studies at Keele University, said the programme aims "to provide Well pharmacists with a wider view of healthcare and to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to provide the healthcare of the future".

"Many more" Well pharmacists are showing interest for the next intake of the programme, Ms Probert added.