APTUK encourages GPhC to collate data for pre-registration training pharmacy technicians

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to collate the data on actively enrolled on an approved course or qualification for Pharmacy Technicians of commencement of training.

In a letter from Nicola Stockmann, Vice President APTUK to the GPhC to encourage the collection of data for Pre-Registration Training Pharmacy Technicians, Stockmann said: “We value the GPHC data for Pharmacy Technician registrants to track the growth and diversity of the Pharmacy Technician profession.

With ongoing inclusive pharmacy practice priorities, APTUK has an organisational pledge to continue this work of all themes through actions. The demographics of the Pharmacy Technician workforce continue to have a majority of white British registrants and identifying as female; the high-level data collated which is currently available on the GPHC website does not capture those who are actively enrolled on an approved course or qualification for Pharmacy Technicians.”

The association believes it is essential that the GPHC collates this information at the point of commencement of training, in addition to the data of registered pharmacy technicians. 

According to the association this will identify systemic barriers to accessing and completing the Pharmacy Technician course or qualifications. 

APTUK has also extended the offer of working collaboratively to act following the collation of the data to ensure a diverse and equitable access to the Pharmacy Technician profession.

Stockmann added: “Additionally, by collating and utilising this data, the pipeline for the workforce transformation priorities will be available. This will support recruitment and retention in line with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and any future legislative enablers. Additionally, the value of attrition data would allow identification of barriers to enable significant growth of a diverse, inclusive, and talented Pharmacy Technician workforce.”