Foundation Training

Paydens Group is a family-owned company established in 1969. We proudly operate pharmacies across the South-East of England, with our Head Office located in Maidstone, Kent.

We approach the evolving role of pharmacy with great enthusiasm and are deeply committed to our mission of providing the highest quality, local healthcare services to the communities we serve.

As a family-run business, we offer a unique blend of personal and adaptable services characteristic of an independent pharmacy, complemented by the security, resources, and support of the Paydens Group.

Our pharmacies range in size from small village locations to large high street branches, offering a comprehensive array of pharmacy services.

At Paydens Group, we are committed to providing exceptional training and development opportunities for our Foundation Trainee Pharmacists. Each week, we ensure that you have 2.5 hours of protected learning time dedicated to your professional development, free from other work responsibilities. This allows you to focus on enhancing your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment.

You will have the unique opportunity to learn while being an integral part of the team, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting. As part of your course, you will receive training to become an accuracy checker, allowing you to check the accuracy of prescription items before you qualify as a Pharmacist. Additionally, you will be trained as a vaccinator, equipping you with the necessary skills to administer vaccines as part of the Flu and COVID seasonal vaccination programmes.

As part of your Foundation Training Year at Paydens we enrol you in the PreRegShortcuts Foundation Training Programme, which would normally cost you £1099, providing you with comprehensive training and support throughout your year. PreRegShortcuts run weekly webinars – breaking down the content needed to pass the GPhC exam into bitesize chunks. You will have access to their Foundation Training Year workbook, which maps revision checklists to the GPhC Learning Outcomes to ensure that you have a plan to meet all of these as part of your training year. In addition to this they give you access to their extensive practice question bank, which contains over 1000 questions in the style of the GPhC exam. Once you have practiced with these you will have access to a full online Mock GPhC exam paper, including clinical and calculations questions. For more information about the PreRegShortcuts Foundation Training Programme visit their website here: https://preregshortcuts.com/foundation-training-programme/

Automated dispensing from our Hub in Maidstone allows our stores to focus on delivering care to our patients. You will have the opportunity to develop your consultation skills by participating in a wide range of NHS Advanced Services and Private Services, enhancing your ability to provide high-quality patient-centred care. Additionally, you will have the chance to observe prescribing clinics in our stores, gaining valuable insights into the prescribing process and patient management.

Our strong links with local Hospital Trusts and GP practices allow you to undertake placements in these sectors as well as your community pharmacy year, broadening your experience and knowledge. We offer the chance to participate in inter-professional events with the University of Leicester Medical School, fostering collaboration and learning across different healthcare disciplines. This diverse range of opportunities ensures that you are well-prepared not just to pass the GPhC Registration Assessment, but for a successful career in pharmacy.