Job overview

We are currently looking for two apprentice pharmacy technicians to begin a vocational training programme in September 2025.

Pharmacy technicians are vital members of the pharmacy team.

First year apprentices are based in the dispensary, learning how to dispense a wide variety of medicines and communicating with patients and other healthcare professionals. They will also spend some time in our stores, helping to ensure the wards have adequate supplies of medicines.

 Second year apprentices expand their work in the dispensary, including counselling patients about their medicines and checking dispensed medicines. They will also spend time on the wards, speaking with patients and gathering information about their medicines on admission to hospital. Some time is spent in Medicines Information, where queries are received on a wide range of medicines-related topics from patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

One day each week is spent attending lessons and an extra half-day will be allocated as study time. The role of the pharmacy technician is becoming more complex as medicines become more sophisticated, with a wide variety of roles available in primary and secondary care as well as in community pharmacy.

Pharmacy technicians often go on to complete other qualifications post-registration. Completion of the apprenticeship will allow the successful candidate to apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council for professional registration as a pharmacy technician.

Main duties of the job

• Undertaking vocation-based training and completion of Pharmacy Technician qualification
• Receiving prescriptions from patients
• Answering the telephone 
• Rotating in stores completing medicines stock requests 
• Dispensing inpatient, discharge and outpatient prescriptions

You will:

Possess or be awaiting results for 4 GCSE’s Grade C or above (grade 4 or above), including Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Chemistry (dual or triple science GCSE will be accepted if the modules include biology and chemistry).

Please state your qualifications clearly on your application. Equivalent qualifications will be accepted at the discretion of the educational body.

Be able to attend college weekly  in person or on-line, on a  day release basis for two years to obtain the BTEC level 3 diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians. The course provides the scientific knowledge and skills required to work as a qualified hospital pharmacy technician. Full support will be provided by the Chief Technician, Education and Training, throughout the course which will enable you to get the most out of your training. For further information contact Rachel Eccleston, and Emma Shaw  Chief Technicians, Education and Training.

Working for our organisation

The ability to work accurately in a very busy environment, communicate with a wide range of people and work as a member of a large team is essential. You must show initiative, be hard working and patient-focused. You must demonstrate a friendly and professional attitude. This is a demanding role, which requires personal study at home in addition to time allocated in the workplace. You must, therefore, be well organised and self-motivated.