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Questions

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  1. How many preregistration training places do you have for 2010 - 2011?
  2. How will I know if you have a preregistration vacancy in the area where I want to work?
  3. As an external candidate, how do I apply for a place on the 2010 ¿ 2011 preregistration training programme?
  4. I am a currently working part time in a Lloydspharmacy ¿ how do I apply for a pre registration place?
  5. If I miss the closing date, can I still apply?
  6. If I experience any problems whilst making my application on line, who can I contact?
  7. When will I hear about my application and if I have been successful?
  8. How does the selection process work?
  9. I have just completed a 3rd year summer vacation placement; does this guarantee me a preregistration training place with the company?
  10. Will I be able to complete my preregistration training in the same pharmacy where I did my 3rd year summer vacation placement?
  11. I have just completed a 3rd year summer vacation placement; does this mean I have to take a preregistration training place with you?
  12. When and where will the interviews be held?
  13. How long will the interview take?
  14. When will I hear about the outcome of my interview?
  15. If I am not made an offer for a preregistration training place, will I receive feedback?
  16. What if I am made an offer and the location is not suitable or too far to travel to?
  17. How long will I have to respond to my offer?
  18. As an overseas student, I will require a work permit in order to take up a preregistration training place in the UK. Will this effect whether you make an offer to me?
  19. If I fail any of my final exams and have accepted an offer for a preregistration training place, what do I need to do and who do I need to inform?
  20. Am I expected to contact my tutor or visit the pharmacy where I will be based before I commence employment?
  21. Do you offer relocation expenses?
  22. On what date will I be expected to start my preregistration training?
  23. Will there be a formal induction day?
  24. How much will I be paid?
  25. When will I get paid?
  26. What is my annual leave entitlement?
  27. Will I have to work weekends and/or late nights?
  28. Do I have to wear a uniform?
  29. Do I get study time?
  30. What will I be expected to do in the pharmacy?
  31. Do I have to do any additional work at home?
  32. How will I be assessed during the placement?
  33. What happens if I fail the RPSGB exam?
  34. Will I be expected to stay with the company once I am qualified as a pharmacist?
  35. What opportunities are available to me as a newly qualified pharmacist?
Answers
  1. How many preregistration training places do you have for 2010 - 2011?
    We currently have nearly 1700 pharmacies and therefore try to accommodate as many graduates as possible across the whole of the UK.

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  2. How will I know if you have a preregistration vacancy in the area where I want to work?
    You will be able to select a first, second and third choice of pharmacy location on the registration page of the on line application form and you will also have the opportunity to discuss your location in more detail at interview. For those candidates who are successful at interview and made an offer, they will be matched by postcode to the nearest pharmacy that we have available.

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  3. As an external candidate, how do I apply for a place on the 2010 ¿ 2011 preregistration training programme?
    You will need to make an application ‘on line’ via the website under the careers section which you will find at www.lloydspharmacy.com/careers/preregistrationprogramme the application form will go live in January 2009 and close in June 2009

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  4. I am a currently working part time in a Lloydspharmacy ¿ how do I apply for a pre registration place?
    If you did not apply for and complete a summer vacation place, then you will need to make an application ‘on line’ via the website under the careers section which you will find at www.lloydspharmacy.com/careers/preregistrationprogramme the application form will go live in January 2009 and close in June 2009

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  5. If I miss the closing date, can I still apply?
    No, the application form will be open in January and close in June 2009.

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  6. If I experience any problems whilst making my application on line, who can I contact?
    Please use the help tab on the website and you will receive a response from the helpdesk or call us on 02476 432207

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  7. When will I hear about my application and if I have been successful?
    All applications are acknowledged automatically when they are submitted through the website. However, applications will not be processed until after the closing date, therefore you will hear during June 2009.

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  8. How does the selection process work?
    All external applications are screened through the website – successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview in either July or August  (see interview process) - for those students who do not meet the criteria and are unsuccessful they will either remain on hold (dependant on their application score) or declined by email at the same time.

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  9. I have just completed a 3rd year summer vacation placement; does this guarantee me a preregistration training place with the company?
    No – However it will guarantee you an automatic interview for a preregistration training place providing you have had a satisfactory summer vacation placement and a successful appraisal with your tutor. Your Area Manager will contact you to arrange an interview prior to completing your placement.

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  10. Will I be able to complete my preregistration training in the same pharmacy where I did my 3rd year summer vacation placement?
    As long as the pharmacy is registered and the tutor meets the RPSGB criteria to become a tutor and the pharmacy has been nominated to have a pre registration in the year you are applying for, then there should no reason why not.

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  11. I have just completed a 3rd year summer vacation placement; does this mean I have to take a preregistration training place with you?
    We do not make it compulsory for 3rd year summer vacation students to spend their preregistration training year with us.

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  12. When and where will the interviews be held?
    Interviews will be held by Area Managers in the location where you have chosen to do your training. The interviews will take place in July & August 2009 and interview slots will be allocated subject to availability usually between the hours of 9.00am and 6.00pm.

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  13. How long will the interview take?
    You should allow at least one hour to attend your interview

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  14. When will I hear about the outcome of my interview?
    Both internal and external candidates will be contacted by email throughout August, with details concerning the outcome of their interview.

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  15. If I am not made an offer for a preregistration training place, will I receive feedback?
    Yes – Constructive feedback will be given to those students who request it in writing and we will endeavour to respond as soon as we can by telephone.

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  16. What if I am made an offer and the location is not suitable or too far to travel to?

    The person that interviews you will give you the opportunity to discuss your preregistration training location(s) in detail, in addition to where you would like to work as a pharmacist when you qualify. We will aim to match you to a pharmacy location of your choice where we can. However, you will be required to have some degree of flexibility.


    It is critical that you give us details of where you will be living, transport to location etc as it is only under exceptional circumstances we will move trainees from their accepted location once training has commenced.

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  17. How long will I have to respond to my offer?

    In order for us to guarantee your first choice of location, we advise that if your offer is in the location you requested that you accept your offer in writing as soon as you can. If you do not wish to take up the offer then you must contact by telephone with your reasons for decline.

     

    The RPSGB states that all students are required to respond to their offers of employment by the 2nd October 2009.

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  18. As an overseas student, I will require a work permit in order to take up a preregistration training place in the UK. Will this effect whether you make an offer to me?
    No – we will make an application for a work permit for you to work legally in the UK. Applications for work permits are made three months prior to your start date and we will inform you of the process as appropriate. A copy of either your degree certificate or a letter from your university will be required to confirm you have completed and passed your degree.

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  19. If I fail any of my final exams and have accepted an offer for a preregistration training place, what do I need to do and who do I need to inform?
    You will need to contact us immediately as your offer is subject to you graduating in July. As long as you have mitigating circumstances and can provide a letter from your university that they have accepted those circumstances we will defer your start date to later in the year.

    Unfortunately if you do not have any mitigating circumstances your offer will be withdrawn as per the terms of your offer - each case is dealt with on an individual basis.

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  20. Am I expected to contact my tutor or visit the pharmacy where I will be based before I commence employment?
    It is recommended that you contact your tutor and perhaps even visit the pharmacy before you commence employment, this will hopefully make starting work on your first day less stressful. It is also an opportunity for you to ask your tutor to complete your ‘Notification Form for Preregistration Training’, which must be completed 8 weeks before you commence your preregistration training training.
    Please note: it is your responsibility to ensure that this form is correctly completed and submitted to the RPSGB with the appropriate fee, 8 weeks before you commence your preregistration training training.

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  21. Do you offer relocation expenses?
    We have a number of relocation schemes (£) on offer to those students that wish to consider relocating to certain parts of the UK – Further details are available on request, however, some of these areas include:

    Isle of Man  -  North Wales  -  Hull  -  Scunthorpe  -  Grimsby  -  Staffordshire  -  Lincolnshire  -  Bristol  -  Dorset  -  Devon  -  Cornwall  -  Gloucestershire  -  Oxfordshire  -  Wiltshire  -  Brighton

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  22. On what date will I be expected to start my preregistration training?
    We have a set start date in July each year; the actual date will be stipulated in your offer letter and contract of employment.

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  23. Will there be a formal induction day?
    All new Preregistration Graduate Trainee Pharmacists will be required to attend an induction day during the first few weeks of training, you will receive details of this by email a few weeks before you are due to commence employment.

    Please ensure that we have current contact details for you, at all times

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  24. How much will I be paid?
    Our Preregistration Trainee Graduate salary is very competitive and of course is reviewed annually. Details of the salary and benefits you will be eligible for will be in your offer letter and contract of employment.

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  25. When will I get paid?
    You will be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments into your bank account, through electronic transfer on the 26th day of each month.

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  26. What is my annual leave entitlement?
    You are entitled to 20 days throughout the 52 week training period.  In addition you will receive 5 paid study days which are to be taken the week of the RPSGB exam. Annual leave entitlement will increase once you become registered as a pharmacist.

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  27. Will I have to work weekends and/or late nights?
    Each pharmacy has different trading times and we ask you to be as flexible as possible. You will be contracted for 39 hours a week Monday to Saturday and you should agree those hours amicably with your individual tutor.

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  28. Do I have to wear a uniform?
    You will be required to wear smart business dress during your preregistration placement (shirt/tie or blouse with trousers/skirt) and you will be provided with a name badge.

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  29. Do I get study time?
    We recommend a minimum study time of half an hour per day, for active study. This must be taken in agreement with your tutor and must reflect the working practices of the pharmacy.

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  30. What will I be expected to do in the pharmacy?
    The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) requires all Preregistration Graduate Trainee Pharmacists to meet their performance Standards.  These describe the minimum standards that all pharmacists should be able to demonstrate.  The work you will do in the pharmacy will focus on ensuring there is opportunity to demonstrate these standards and meet them consistently. 

    You will spend time across the dispensary and the healthcare counter to ensure that you understand that legal, professional and business aspects of running a pharmacy.

    You will need to work with your tutor to identify your individual learning needs and to split your time across the different areas of work to enable you to fulfil your learning/development needs. During your time in pharmacy, there will be lots of opportunity to find out more about Lloydspharmacy as a business.

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  31. Do I have to do any additional work at home?
    As with most qualifications additional work at home is necessary to ensure all opportunities are maximised.  Although the majority of the learning will take place in the pharmacy, preregistration graduate trainee pharmacists need to make sense of the information and reflect upon their learning. 

    There will be key pre course tasks which need to be completed for off the job development days. In addition to the performance standards, the RPSGB specify specific knowledge requirements which must be demonstrated.  Also there is the RPSGB examination syllabus which sets out key areas which will be assessed by the RPSGB registration exam; you will need to ensure that you are familiar with the syllabus areas.

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  32. How will I be assessed during the placement?
    Throughout your preregistration year you will be working alongside your tutor who is responsible for assessing you against the RPSGB performance standards.  Formal assessment of your progress will take place at 13 week intervals and at the end of the year.

    In between formal assessments, you will have regular reviews with your tutor to discuss your progress and to plan your training for the forthcoming period.

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  33. What happens if I fail the RPSGB exam?
    Lloydspharmacy has consistently achieved a registration exam pass rate above the national average and it is our aim to maintain this standard. However, we will endeavour to continue to support you should it be necessary, where we can. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis.

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  34. Will I be expected to stay with the company once I am qualified as a pharmacist?
    No, however we do retain a large number of our newly qualified pharmacists within the business and this is mainly due to the excellent support, working conditions/environment we offer to our pharmacists.

    Your Area Manager will discuss your options formally with you during your preregistration year (between January and February)

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  35. What opportunities are available to me as a newly qualified pharmacist?
    Lloydspharmacy has 1700+ pharmacies nationwide, so, I am sure that we will be able to accommodate your needs as a newly qualified pharmacist in the location of your choice.

    We are firm believers in getting the work- life balance right and will aim to give you as much flexibility as possible both full time or part time if that’s what you choose.

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