Member
Guys,
Need suggestion.
I want to start my carrier in pharmacy(store/retail).I applied for various jobs in boots/NHS etc but all are looking for NVQ level 2/3. And when I checked with NPA(for NVQ level Courses) then they told me that they provide NVQ courses only who are employed in a pharmacy that is a member.
So could somebody please suggest me any other way to start the NVQ level ?
Defender Of Pills
Best to start as a healthcare assistant or counter assistant (depends on store as to title) and work your way up from there. If you prove a capable employee you could be working in the dispensary and on an nvq 2 within 1-2 years. Providing there is a space for you
It's not worth doing something unless you were doing something that someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing.
Terry Pratchett
Member
Thanks for reply Terry,
But the problem here is i'm not getting job as counter assistance/dispenser as stores are looking for NVQ Level so I'm thinking of doing NVQ Level so that I can get the job .
Moderator
Things must be bad if people now competing for minimum wage jobs.
johnep
King Amongst Members
I think this highlights a problem in the current system. There is a built in catch 22, you need the NVQ to get the job but you can't get the training unless you already have the a job.
When the school leaving age rises to 18 (That's a clever way to reduce young unemployment figures NOT!) I think there will be more demand for NVQ type courses so the powers that be (whoever they are) should really be trying to come up with a course that can be done outside employment.
Moderator
On the job training was introduced when there was full employment.
johnep
King Amongst Members
The YTS scheme of the early 80's was introduced to get employers to take on trainees (at lower wages) in order top fill the gap left by the drop in apprentice places. Some would say that these were also introduced to reduce the number of young unemployed as YTS participants are ineligable for social payments. It also coincided with a huge increase in unemployment.
Moderator
And now they are trying to get people to take on apprentices again. I was apprenticed for two years. Got £100 for first year and £250 for the second. ie £2/week and £5/week. Slave wages even then, but not long before, employers had been charging a 'premium' to take on an apprentice. So those of you having trouble getting places should try paying employers to allow you to work there! I well remember the YTS scheme, when the time was up, employers simply sacked the 'trainee' and got another YTS as cheap replacement. Jane Austen talks about young men having to 'buy' their commissions in the army. Soon when you go to an interview, will not be your merits but how much you can 'bribe' the interviewer. Young ladies can expect invitations to the 'casting couch'.
johnep.
Frequent Poster
Hi deeduuOriginally Posted by deeduu
There are a number of ways you could start your career in pharmacy.
As a starting point for somebody completely new to pharmacy, it may be beneficial to look at Buttercups introductory course entitled 'So you want to work in Pharmacy? This course serves as an entry point as to what pharmacy is, what it is about and how to get involved, along with who is who in the pharmacy and what each job entails.
Another route you could take is to undertake the knowledge from the Dispensing Assistants Course. Once this is complete you could seek a voluntary placement of 2-4 hours per week in a pharmacy in order to top up to Level 2 and complete the workbooks from the Dispensing Assistants Course (Level 2 Equivalent). This would give you the qualification required to work as a dispenser and thus a route in to pharmacy.
Once you have your foot in the door you could then go on to study to be a Pharmacy Technician and work your way up the pharmacy ladder.
If you would like to discuss your options further please email Buttercups via training@buttercups.co.uk
Moderator
'Emma Chisit'?
johnep
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