Buttercups Training & Numark Celebrate Outstanding Success of Innovative Levy-Gifting Apprenticeship Initiative

Buttercups Training are proud to celebrate the remarkable success that has followed our Levy Gifting Initiative, delivered in partnership with Numark Membership and the PHOENIX UK Group. Since its announcement on 13 January 2025, the initiative has already begun transforming opportunities for community pharmacies across England by enabling fully funded access to high quality Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship training.

A Groundbreaking Partnership Delivering Real Impact

This initiative operates through a modern workforce solution known as levy gifting, which allows large organisations such as PHOENIX to transfer up to 50% of their unused apprenticeship funds to smaller employers. This innovative approach has unlocked over £1.3 million worth of training support for Numark members through a combination of funds from PHOENIX and partners of Buttercups.

This funding has already had a significant impact by supporting community pharmacies train the next generation of Pharmacy Technicians, an especially in-demand role at a time when teams across the country are facing significant staffing challenges.

By acting as the “glue” that connects Numark members to high‑quality training pathways, Buttercups Training ensures employers can access fully funded training that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Exceptional Demand from Community Pharmacies

Demand for this initiative has been significant, with Numark confirming that the first £500,000 allocation filled within just one hour of launch, clear evidence of the urgent workforce need and the value of this programme to pharmacy employers.

With such rapid uptake, the initiative has been widely welcomed by pharmacy leaders. Numark Chairman, Professor Harry McQuillan, described it as “highly successful” and praised the unique use of apprenticeship levy funds to support sustainable workforce development.

Pharmacy owners recognise the value of utilising levy‑gifted funds to upskill existing staff, particularly dispensing assistants ready to progress into the Pharmacy Technician role, one of the most critical and in‑demand positions in community pharmacy today.

The focus of the initiative, the Pharmacy Technician Training Programme (PTTP) Apprenticeship, offers a structured pathway that equips learners with the skills, knowledge and confidence to advance in their careers while supporting the evolving needs of community pharmacy teams.

Opening Doors for Learners of All Ages

Apprentices aged under 21 already receive fully funded by the Government. However, a standout benefit of this initiative is that it provides fully funded apprenticeship places for experienced dispensing assistants and those aged 21 and over who traditionally do not receive full funding. This makes the pathway both inclusive and accessible to all eligible learners across the workforce.

Strengthening the Future of the Pharmacy Workforce

The success of this collaboration marks a powerful step forward in helping pharmacies to:

• Build long-term workforce resilience
• Retain and develop existing staff
• Improve patient care and service delivery
• Access training that might otherwise be financially out of reach

By enabling more trained pharmacy technicians to enter and progress within the profession, the initiative supports not only individual career development but also the wider healthcare landscape.

What’s Next? Continued Growth and Further Opportunities

In response to exceptional demand, Numark with the continued support of Buttercups Training and PHOENIX have exceeded £1.3 million worth of funding for community pharmacies. This next phase ensures that even more member pharmacies across England can benefit from levy-gifted training support.

The third phase of the initiative has been announced with applications being accepted from 4 March 2026 at 12:00 (midday). For Numark members wishing to apply for the next funding wave, details can be accessed via NumarkNet.

A Shared Commitment to the Profession’s Future

Buttercups Training is proud to be at the forefront of innovative and collaborative apprenticeship initiatives and to continue supporting the sector with high-quality, future-focused training.

Together with Numark and PHOENIX, we remain committed to ensuring that training opportunities reach as many Numark members as possible.