NHS England Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E) has launched a new round of funding to support the recruitment and training of Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (PTPTs) in community pharmacy.
The Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme (CPTAP) 2026 will strengthen the workforce by supporting learners to complete a 24-month apprenticeship, enabling them to gain the skills and experience needed for this essential role.
The funding is available for new PTPTs who have not enrolled in or started training. Training placements must begin between July 2026 and 30th September 2026.
Funding Support
NHSE WT&E is offering a training contribution of £15,505 per trainee, per year for two years (24 months) to support community pharmacies in developing an employer-led work-based training programme.
Timeline
CPTAP 2026 Launched Monday 13th April
April/May 2026 Employer Engagement and drop-in sessions hosted by NHSE
Application of Funding (AoF) window opens Monday 27th April
Applications open 27th April and close 18th May (midday)
Notification of outcome emailed to pharmacy contractors w/c 22nd June
Contractors have until 3rd July to confirm acceptance of offer
July/August Recruitment and apprenticeship enrolment
PTPTs must be enrolled on and have started the apprenticeship programme between July 2026 and 30 September 2026.
Important facts
1 funded place per pharmacy group, per NHS England region (maximum of 7 nationally)
Simplified application process
Applications for multiple pharmacies under the same ownership/directorship are not permitted
PTPTs must be on enrolled onto a L3 Pharmacy technician apprenticeship by Wednesday 30th September 2026.
In oversubscribed regions, priority will be given to successful employers in the following order:
Pharmacies that have never received NHS England PTPT funding
Last funded in or before 2023/24
Last funded in 2024/25
Last funded in 2025/26
Application
Where pharmacies operate across multiple NHS regions, a separate application is required for each region.
All the details above, including links to webinars and the AoF link are available on the NHSE CPTAP document link below:
Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Skills4Pharmacy has already helped over 400 PTPTs get started on their training journey this year - let us help you grow your pharmacy team next.
Why act now?
Pharmacy Technicians are essential to the transformation of community pharmacy. Upon qualification and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration, they bring:
Enhanced clinical expertise
Improved operational efficiency
Capacity to support expanded patient care services
This initiative is a chance to future-proof your workforce while accessing significant funding and support.
Get in Touch
Reach out to our dedicated team to discuss your workforce needs, application support, funding guidance and future webinar support sessions.