Action Required: Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Funding Outcomes Released
If you applied for the Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme (CPTAP), please check your inbox now. Funding outcome notifications have been released, and successful applicants need to act quickly to secure their allocation.
The programme provides an opportunity for community pharmacies to invest in workforce development, support the growth of Pharmacy Technician roles, and strengthen pharmacy teams.
Funding information for the programme indicates a training contribution of £15,505 per trainee, per year, for 24 months to support apprenticeship delivery.
What contractors need to do now
NHS England WT&E began issuing CPTAP funding outcome notifications from Monday 22 June 2026.
If you applied, please:
- Check your main contact email inbox, including spam and junk folders, for your outcome notification.
- Review any funding offer received and complete the required acceptance process.
- Ensure offers are accepted by Friday 3 July 2026. Funding allocations not accepted by this deadline may be redistributed.
- Start planning recruitment and enrolment activity during July and August.
- Ensure learners are fully enrolled and have commenced training by 30 September 2026, where applicable.
Due to the short timeframe, contractors who have received approval are encouraged to progress their plans as soon as possible.
New apprenticeship hiring payment from October 2026
From 1 October 2026, additional government funding is available for eligible non-levy employers recruiting new apprentices aged 16 to 24.
Eligible employers may receive a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment where the relevant conditions are met. The apprentice must start their apprenticeship training on or after 1 October 2026 and must not have been employed by the employer for more than 90 days before the apprenticeship practical period start date.
The payment is made in two £1,000 instalments, normally at 90 days and one year after the apprenticeship starts. The payment is claimed by the training provider and passed on to the eligible employer. The employer must still employ the apprentice when each payment is due.
This new payment may be particularly relevant to community pharmacies considering recruitment alongside their apprenticeship workforce plans.
Other apprenticeship support
Depending on the apprentice and employer circumstances, other government support may also be available.
£1,000 additional employer payment
Employers may receive £1,000 when taking on an apprentice aged:
- 16 to 18; or
- 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or who has been in care.
The payment is made in two £500 instalments, normally at 90 days and one year after the apprenticeship starts.
£3,000 Youth Jobs Grant
Eligible employers may be able to receive a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant when hiring an eligible person aged 18 to 24 who has been unemployed and receiving Universal Credit for at least six months, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
The grant is paid in two instalments: £1,800 after six weeks and £1,200 after 18 weeks, following the relevant checks.
Employer National Insurance support
Employers do not usually pay employer National Insurance contributions on eligible earnings for apprentices under 25. Employers should check the current HMRC rules and eligibility requirements.
Important: Eligibility, payment arrangements and interaction between different funding streams depend on the individual apprentice, employer and apprenticeship. Contractors should check the current government guidance before relying on any particular funding or incentive.
Support available
A range of apprenticeship training providers can support employers with Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship delivery, including recruitment, enrolment, training, and compliance support.
Contractors may also wish to explore additional apprenticeship incentives that could be available to eligible employers, including:
- £1,000 young apprentice payment
- £3,000 youth jobs grant
- £2,000 non-levy hiring grant (from October 2026)
- Potential National Insurance relief for eligible apprentices under 25
Contractors should check current eligibility criteria and available funding routes before making decisions.
Resources
CPH has shared the following resources from Skills4Pharmacy for contractors who would like further information:
CPH position
CPH is sharing this information to ensure contractors are aware of the funding opportunity, key deadlines, and available support options.
CPH does not endorse or recommend any individual training provider. Contractors should consider the available options and select a provider that best meets the needs of their pharmacy and team.
The CPTAP programme provides a valuable opportunity to support workforce development, strengthen pharmacy teams, and contribute to the future of community pharmacy services.
