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The group of eight - all Assistant Production Technicians, are reaping the benefits of the company's ongoing commitment to staff development, having completed the Dispensary Assistant course - stage one of the NVQ Level 3 qualification.
The rapidly expanding firm prides itself on its in-house training scheme which is made available to all Assistant Production Technicians without the need for a previous qualification. Specials' Production Manager, Lorraine Adams, explains: "The training the production team receive is absolutely second to none. We value the time spent on developing our people, particularly those who are new to this type of environment, and we offer our full support throughout the entire training programme.
"Our aim is to provide staff with the best possible training and to help each individual grow within their role at their own pace. As a company we understand that each and every one of us has a different learning style and there is no pressure put on anyone to perform or learn within a set time scale."
Training for Assistant Production Technicians is delivered by a dedicated Dispensary Trainer on a one-to-one basis, equipping the latest recruits with the skills and knowledge they require in order to provide support to the Production Technicians in the everyday manufacture of patient formulas at The Specials Laboratory. Assistant Production Technicians receive training on materials, products and the processes involved in the manufacture of special medicines.
Lorraine added: "The group has shown great potential and definitely possess the skill and ability required to work in such a focussed and technical environment where meticulous attention to detail and high levels of concentration are an absolute must."
Specials products are referred to in the industry as ‘unlicensed' medicines, meaning that they differ in some way from branded drugs dispensed over the counter. Examples would include a specific mixture of different drugs in a flavoured drink for children or a more specialised delivery method, such as painkillers made into lollipops for patients who are too ill to swallow.
The Specials facility in Northumberland benefits from state of the art clean room technology and, along with its sister company Specials Clinical Manufacturing, the business employs more than 150 people. An experienced team of pharmacists and technicians create bespoke treatments for a huge range of illnesses and have access to a wide range of unique dosage delivery systems.
