Pharmaceutical Apprenticeships

Can you get an apprenticeship in pharmaceuticals?

Yes! You can!

A pharmaceutical apprenticeship is a great way to launch your career in the industry. Not only will you get all the qualifications without the university debt, but you’ll also earn a paid salary and enjoy company benefits. That’s pretty awesome if you ask us.

Pharmaceutical apprenticeships offer hands-on training combined with academic study, allowing you to earn while you learn in roles across the pharmaceutical industry. These programs are typically open to school leavers, graduates, or career changers and range from intermediate to degree-level apprenticeships, depending on the role. 

Common areas include laboratory science, pharmacy services, manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs.

You can jump into this career from age 16 with a level 3 apprenticeship if you wanted to. Or, you can undertake a degree apprenticeship as an alternative to university once you’ve turned 18.

How does a pharmaceutical apprenticeship work?

A pharmaceutical apprenticeship is a great way to break into the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry without going down the traditional full-time university route.

 As an apprentice, you’ll split your time between working at a real pharmaceutical company, like GSK, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or a smaller biotech firm, and studying towards a qualification at a college or university.

These apprenticeships typically last between one and five years, depending on the level. For example, you might start with a Level 3 apprenticeship, or go straight into a degree-level (Level 6 or 7) apprenticeship if you meet the entry requirements. 

During that time, you may work on real projects in areas like drug development, quality control, research, lab science, data analysis, or even pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering.

One of the biggest advantages is that you’ll earn a salary. If you choose a degree apprenticeship, your employer and the government will also cover your tuition fees. So you can build experience, earn industry-recognised qualifications, and get a strong foothold in the sector - all without student debt!

Better yet, many pharmaceutical apprentices are offered permanent roles after completing their program, giving you a clear path to grow your career in one of the world’s most important and innovative industries.

What types of pharmaceutical apprenticeships are there?

There are quite a few different areas of pharmaceutical apprenticeships that you can specialise in, leading to a rewarding career in this industry. What you can apply to depends on whether you leave school at 16 or 18, plus what qualifications you have. 

Here are a few to give you an idea:

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If there are any that take your fancy, you should see what opportunities we have available.

Can you go into medicine after an apprenticeship?

Yes, but it’s not the usual route, and it depends on the kind of apprenticeship you do. If you’re thinking of becoming a doctor, you generally need to complete a medical degree, and most medical schools still require traditional A-levels (including chemistry and often biology) and a full-time university course.

However, things are starting to change. In England, a new Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship is being developed, which would allow people to train as doctors through an apprenticeship route, earning while they learn and working in the NHS. It’s still quite new and limited to a few areas, so it’s not yet widely available, but it’s expected to grow over the next few years.

If you’re currently doing an apprenticeship in healthcare, like a Healthcare Assistant or Nursing Associate, you could also use that as a stepping stone. With the right qualifications and experience, you might apply for a university medical degree later on, or pursue related careers like nursing, paramedicine, or physician associate roles.

Here is what an apprentice had to say about their time with AstraZeneca:

What GCSEs and A-levels do you need for a pharmaceutical apprenticeship?

Each employer will have their own criteria, but different levels of apprenticeships tend to have their set requirements. Let’s break this down:

Level 2

Some ask for two or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C). However, lots of Level 2 apprenticeships don’t require GCSEs.

Level 3

Five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship.

Level 4/5 (Higher)

Two A-levels or equivalent (like a BTEC or an NVQ/SVQ). You need to be age 18+.

Level 6/7 (Degree)

Three A-levels graded at A* to C or equivalent. You need to be age 18+

It’s likely that science-related apprenticeships will ask for A-levels and GCSEs in chemistry and biology, but it’s best to check with the employer. 

How much do you get paid for pharmaceutical apprenticeships?

On average, according to the reviews on Higherin, pharmaceutical apprentices get paid around £23,000 annually. This is for all types of pharmaceutical areas - some will pay higher than others. 

The exact salary will also depend on the company and where the scheme is based. If you are located in London, you can expect to earn more to help cover your living expenses. It will also depend on what level you are doing. 

Below we have listed the average earnings of a pharmaceutical apprentice at different levels. 

This is only the beginning, though. A pharma apprenticeship opens up so many avenues, including routes to management and larger salaries! 

How to apply for a pharmaceutical apprenticeship

The best time to apply for pharmaceutical apprenticeships is from September the year before you want to start. However, don’t stress, we have roles live all year round here on Higherin. So you can search for a pharmaceutical apprenticeship here.

Make sure you’re ready for the apprenticeship application process. Perfect your CV and cover letter writing so you can progress to the next stage. This will likely include an interview.