If you are an overseas qualified pharmacy technician (or pharmacist) interested in pharmacy in the UK, or perhaps looking for work in the UK, the points outlined below are designed to answer many common questions you might have.

Is the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK an employment agency?

No, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK is the professional and representative organisation for pharmacy technicians already working in the UK.

By joining the association, will I automatically be entitled to work in the UK?

No, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK is the professional and representative voice of pharmacy technicians already working in the UK. Pharmacy technicians from overseas can join the Association, but NOT as full members. Membership of the Association does not entitle anyone to gain employment in the UK.

Can I come to the UK and work as a pharmacy technician with an overseas qualification?

It is currently possible, but will become increasingly difficult, as pharmacy technicians are likely to be regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB (RPSGB) and this process will begin from 2005 onward.

This means that all persons working as a pharmacy technician in the UK will need to be registered. Once pharmacy technician regulation is introduced, those from overseas wishing to register will need to demonstrate their competence against the standards set for registration.

How do I train to become a Pharmacy Technician in the UK?

To train as a pharmacy technician, you will need to gain employment as a student Pharmacy Technician. This usually involves working four days a week whilst attending college one day per week - althopugh this can differ depending on the education provider and the employer.

The most common employers offering Student Pharmacy Technician posts are NHS hospitals and Community Pharmacies. If you want to gain employment you will need to contact the employers direct.

What is the current recognised qualification for Pharmacy Technicians in the UK?

The currently recommended qualification for pharmacy technicians is Pharmacy Services S/NVQ Level 3.

The awarding bodies for the qualification are City and Guilds, Edexcel and the Scottich Qualifications Authority. This is likely to be the qualification required to register as a pharmacy technician,

What is the procedure for obtaining a work permit in the UK?

The administration of work permit arrangements on behalf of the UK Government is undertaken by Work Permits (UK). These would normally be obtained on a person's behalf by an employer.

The Association understands that applicants without a UK pharmacy technician qualification will only be able to obtain a work permit as a Student Pharmacy Technician. On qualification this may then be extended for work as a pharmacy technician.

Further information can be obtained from http://www.workpermits.gov.uk or by contacting:

Work Permits (UK)
Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office,
Level 5,
Moorfoot,
Sheffield,
S1 4PQ
0114 259 4074
customrel.workpermits@wpuk.gov.uk