Companies that will train beyond level 2 dispensing?

[me...]

I am interested to know which companies will train the dispensing staff beyond level 2/NVQ2. I currently work at a supermarket but there is no opportunity to study any more than this and I would really like to go further.
I am also wondering what the average rate for dispensers is around the country? In our store the wages are the same as everyone else in store.

[razorbladekisses]

I know Boots offer the NVQ3 once you've done NVQ2 or ADAC. Have you thought about working in hospital pharmacy?

As a trainee dispenser for a large multiple I was getting nearly £8.00 an hour. However, for another multiple they only offered £6.00.

[me...]

Yes I have been keeping half an eye out for hospital jobs but there don't appear to be many around at the moment. I do enjoy my job at the moment and it is a shame that there is no encouragement or incentive for people to progress. I feel like when my dispensing course is complete I will have to look for something else.

[tinx25388]

Boots do, but generally you have to do the NVQ 2 and in doing so, prove that you are committed to completing the course (dont expect much work time for training!) The wages are also dependant on experience as well as training, I dont think many people in my team are on same hourly rate due to starting at different times and having different qualifications. I've finished level 2, working towards level 3, and have 2 years under my belt and I get £8.30/hour.

[alicekk]

I work for Boots and I'm on the course. As before me, it does vary how much you get. Basically as a trainee I'm still on the healthcare assistant wage, which is £7.49. I was lucky, I went to work another store where my new manager put me on the course. I recently have been transferred back to my original store, and I'm the only one doing it. Two girls, who tried dropped out, another one starting in January. Let's see what happens. I'm doing it without any training time and support. Be aware it does involve a lot of commitment. I'm on my second year on the NPA training and it's getting tougher.
As you can see, this training isn't really supported. I always think, that if they do it, once you qualify they have to give you more money. And there is no budget for that. It is common practice to expect people to work for a while, and when they can't get away with it, they put you on a course. This is the legal requirement, to be on a course to work different parts of the pharmacy. You don't get support, you may qualify quicker. Most important thing is to be enrolled on a course. There is a girl in my dispensary, who is basically a shop assistant and on that wage. She does what we do. They've just put her on the healtcare assistant course. If she manages to qualify she will get as much or as little as I do. I decided I will push her through it as far as poss.
Trouble is, you can't have high expectations until you did the course. After, hopefully you have choices. Did you try asking for the course?
Make sure you have the commitment and 10-12 hours "free" time when you can study at home.
Good luck

[dizzyb23]

Most places will train to NVQ 3 and ACT. Our company encourages the support staff to go on these courses but rarely arrange the time to do the course at work. And seeing as though these are work based courses, it gets a bit difficult. Average Tech wage in community is usually about £8.00 to £9.00. Some are on less, some lucky enough to be paid more. It seems as though doing your NVQ3 in hospital is the better way to go really. The support is usually better, there is continuity with the same pharmacists who want to help, you'll get protected study time, money is better and there is a chance of staying on at the hospital and then progress even further such as ACT, NVQ Assessor, Medicines Management etc.
I do feel for you when you mention the lack of encouragment to move on and carry on with your education. Keep your enthusiasm for learning more and look for a more suitable trainee position. They tend to advertise trainee tech positions around this time of year. Register yourself onto the NHS jobs website and they will send you an email with recent vacancies that are advertised that match your requirements. Good luck

[me...]

Thanks for all the replies. I have registered for the NHS job alerts so will keep an eye out for those.
I don't mind studying in my own time, I am use to that and quite enjoy it actually.
If there is anyone on here who works in a supermarket pharmacy and wouldn't mind telling me what the wages and training are like there I would appreciate it.