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A training company that provides apprenticeship programmes for pharmacy support staff has entered administration after the Government terminated its contract, citing concerns around poor performance. 

Woodspeen Training, which is owned by a Swiss investment firm and provides apprenticeships for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy services assistants among numerous other apprenticeship programmes such as early years and adult care, went into administration earlier this week in a surprise move.

The company revealed the Department of Education had made the termination decision that precipitated the liquidation based on “historic performance challenges, particularly around timeliness measures”.

An Ofsted inspection in March this year resulted in a ‘Requires Improvement’ outcome for the training provider, with failings identified with regard to the quality of education, management

“Too many learners and apprentices leave their programmes early and do not achieve,” wrote the Ofsted inspector.

Despite making “operational improvements” to address these concerns, the company was unable to show sufficient progress by the time the department concluded a formal review. 

“Our priority now is to work closely with the Department to transfer learners smoothly to alternative providers and support staff through the transition,” said Woodspeen. 

P3pharmacy understands the administration affects around 800 pharmacy apprentices currently completing programmes with Woodspeen across more than 300 employers.  

Fellow training provider Skills4Pharmacy said it was “extending its full support to the 100s of learners, staff, and employers impacted by the closures”.

Speaking to P3pharmacy, managing director Jamie Crinigan said Skills4Pharmacy is unsure how much public funding there remains to support affected learners who are partway through their programme but is prepared to use its own resources to try and minimise disruption, having previously stepped in to offer support when Qube Learning abruptly ceased trading in 2023.

Skills4Pharmacy owner Amerjit Singh commented: “Our team is fully prepared to help learners transition into our apprenticeship programmes, ensuring their journey continues with as little disruption as possible. 

“As a fellow contractor in the pharmacy sector, I understand the importance of stability and continuity for our workforce.”