Closing in on two consecutive years as the UK's leading provider of pharmacy apprenticeships, Skills4Pharmacy continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of workforce development.
The latest UK Government apprenticeship data shows Skills4Pharmacy holding almost 40%* of the combined Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant and Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship market, alongside over 47%* share of the Level 2 market and over 36%* of the Level 3 market. These figures reinforce Skills4Pharmacy's position as the provider of choice for pharmacy employers across the UK, reflecting its continued commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes that support employers, develop skilled professionals and help shape the future of the pharmacy workforce.
Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme (CPTAP)
The 2026 CPTAP presented a significant opportunity for community pharmacy employers to invest in their workforce. As applications opened, Skills4Pharmacy launched a dedicated support campaign to help employers understand the funding available, navigate the application process and prepare for successful apprenticeship starts.
Alongside CPTAP, Skills4Pharmacy strengthened its commitment to making apprenticeships more accessible by unlocking a £1 million levy transfer fund, enabling employers to access apprenticeship training at little or no cost. Demand for this support was strong, with 55% of the fund allocated in the first few weeks, demonstrating the sector's appetite to invest in workforce development when financial barriers are removed.
Combined with tailored funding guidance, recruitment support and dedicated employer onboarding, our team worked closely with organisations throughout every stage of the funding journey. By helping employers access funding and recruit the next generation of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Services Assistants, Skills4Pharmacy continues to play a leading role in strengthening the future pharmacy workforce.
Skills4Housing Launch
Building on our continued success in pharmacy, science and dental, 2026 has also marked an exciting new chapter with the launch of Skills4Housing.
Skills4Housing was created to support housing and property organisations as they prepare for the Competence and Conduct Standard, due to come into effect by October 2026. This new division has been designed to bring the same employer- and learner-focused approach that has helped establish Skills4Pharmacy, Skills4Science, and Skills4Dental within their industries. As demand for skilled housing professionals continues to grow, we’re excited to support organisations and individuals with flexible, sector-specific training that develops competence, compliance, and invests in the future of the workforce.
Building careers and strengthening the future workforce:
These latest UK government results reflect more than market leadership; they demonstrate the increasing confidence employers place in apprenticeships as a long-term workforce solution. Across pharmacy, science and dental, Skills4Group continues to partner with employers to develop skilled professionals through high-quality training that supports career progression, addresses workforce shortages and helps businesses build resilient teams for the future.
A Message from our Managing Director:
"Behind every apprenticeship statistic is a person taking the next step in their career and an employer investing in the future of their workforce. That's what drives everything we do. We are committed to creating opportunities that help individuals develop rewarding careers while giving employers access to the skilled talent they need. I'm incredibly proud of our apprentices, employer partners and colleagues, and I look forward to building on this success to support even more learners and businesses in the years ahead." Jamie Crinigan, Managing Director.
Looking Ahead:
As we look ahead to the year, we remain committed to supporting employers, apprentices, and the sectors we serve through high-quality training and long-term workforce development. With strong foundations across Skills4Pharmacy, Skills4Science, Skills4Dental and Skills4Housing, we are excited to build on the progress made this year, strengthen existing partnerships and continue expanding opportunities for learners and employers alike. We look forward to seeing each of our specialist brands continue to grow, innovate, and play an even greater role in developing the skilled workforces of the future.
Information source:
* Based on 2023-2024, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 data. UK Education Statistics.