World Pharmacy Technician Day: From apprenticeships to new powers

In celebration of World Pharmacy Technician Day today, we have gathered some significant achievements from this year that highlight the growing
recognition of pharmacy technicians as integral members of the pharmacy team.

During the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) Conference in September, NHS England’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, David Webb, announced 530
apprenticeships for community pharmacy pre-registration pharmacy technicians (PTPs) for the 2024/25 period.

“This announcement shows a real investment in pharmacy technicians. It will impact all areas of practice, not just within community pharmacies,” said Nicola
Stockmann, APTUK President, in an exclusive interview with Pharmacy Business.

In August, the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) was allocated funding to offer 80 NHS England-funded places in its Accuracy Checking Pharmacy
Technician (ACPT) programme.

This 3-12 month course is designed to help pharmacy technicians develop a range of competencies, ensuring they can deliver safe and effective patient care.

Up to 10 NHSE-funded spots will be available each month on a first-come, first-served basis for pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacies, NHS
hospitals, and health and justice settings.

The funding will remain available until all 80 places are filled or until March 2025.