The apprenticeship programme is currently being piloted for 11 pre-registration pharmacy technicians at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, HEIW announced last week (May 21).

Each week comprises two days' training in a hospital, two days in a community pharmacy and one study day. Students also go on a six-week primary care placement in their second year.

At the end of the two years, the pharmacy technician will qualify with a BTEC and an NVQ portfolio of evidence, HEIW explained.

Commenting on the announcement, Wendy Penny, HEIW head of pharmacy technician training, said: “Supporting pharmacy technicians to train across three pharmacy sectors will lead to a more sustainable and flexible workforce who understand the patient journey across healthcare settings.”

Last month, the Welsh government announced a £4.9 million investment to almost double the number of pre-registration pharmacist places across community, hospital and general practice. The initiative was launched as part of a UK-wide ‘Train, Work, Live’ campaign, which aims to attract more pre-regs to Wales.