Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, visited University Hospital Monklands to launch Scottish Apprenticeship Week on Monday.
During the visit the First Minister met a group of pharmacy apprentices at the hospital.
The pharmacy apprentices are part of a Scottish Government recruitment programme that will see 150 apprentice pharmacy technicians trained and recruited across Scotland this year.
The First Minister said: “Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must increase the opportunities for our young people who wish to choose a career, such as pharmacy, with quality hands-on training to set them on their path. Increasing the number of qualified pharmacy technicians is critical to support our NHS and ensure a qualified workforce.
“As Scotland moves towards economic renewal and transition, apprenticeships also have a key role to play as part of the national endeavour to drive a fairer, greener economic recovery.”
Throughout their two-year apprenticeship individuals will develop skills and gain valuable experience working in hospital and community pharmacies as well as GP practices undertaking medication reviews and liaising with other healthcare professionals to provide effective patient care.
Linsey Hayes, pharmacist team manager – education, training and development, said: “Our participation and engagement with these apprenticeship opportunities demonstrates our Health Board’s commitment to the young people in our local community.”
Pharmacy technicians work within pharmacy teams carrying out specialised tasks, including preparing complex medicines and dispensing medicines safely for patients.
Hannah Scullion, pre-registration pharmacy technician with NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Becoming a qualified pharmacy technician was always my goal and I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to do this through the new technical apprenticeship programme.”
