Apprentice Pharmacy Technician

NHS; Chorley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Chorley is seeking an Apprentice Pharmacy Technician. You will develop skills in mental health while training for a Level 3 Diploma. The role includes dispensing medications, providing a comprehensive pharmaceutical service, and being part of a supportive team. Candidates must have 4 GCSEs including Maths and English. This apprenticeship offers a chance to gain valuable qualifications while working in a rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• 4 GCSE passes including Mathematics, English Language, and Science.
• Basic IT skills and experience of ward-based pharmacy services preferred.
• Ability to communicate in difficult/emotive situations.

Responsibilities

• Complete a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship.
• Dispense medications under supervision.
• Communicate sensitive information concerning medicines to patients.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

4 GCSE qualifications or equivalent at A-C grade in relevant subjects

Tools

Basic IT skills

Job description

Go back Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Pharmacy Technician

The closing date is 06 February 2026

Do you want to take the first step on the ladder to become a Pharmacy Technician?

Have you thought how exciting it would be to develop skills in mental health whilst you train and achieve a professional qualification?

If so we have a great opportunity for you! Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Lancashire and South Cum Cumbria ICB are offering the chance for a student to train within our secure mental health inpatient unit in Preston, Lancashire.

At Lancashire and South Cumbria, you would be based at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, mental health inpatient unit. You would be part of a fantastic and supportive pharmacy team who would guide you through the skills and knowledge you need to achieve whilst on your course.

This is such an exciting development for the right person who is committed and passionate about a career in pharmacy.

Over the two years you would rotate across the different sites following an agreed learning plan. Access to transport is essential.

You would be expected to complete an apprenticeship in pharmacy - BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. This would be undertaken remotely with one of our training partners.

Main duties of the job

You will require FOUR GCSE passes (Grade A-C/Level 9-4) including Mathematics, English Language, Science and one other or equivalent.

Throughout the duration of your training you will be fully supported by an educational supervisor and practice supervisors as well as the wider pharmacy teams.

You will be part of both NHS Trusts but will be under the employment of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

Please be advised if you are a Non-UK National applicant you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the settlement requirements of the apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified as eligible for funding by the relevant apprenticeship provider for you to formally enrol on the course.

The training provider will require evidence of: Being a full time ordinary resident in the UK for 3 consecutive years or more prior to the course start date (unless otherwise exempt from this rule - for example you hold refugee status) and Residency to live and work in the UK for at least 1 year from the apprenticeship start date and must cover the entire course duration including the EPA period.

About us

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

Job responsibilities

We advise that you check the eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding and visa requirements prior to applying. Sponsorship cannot be offered for any apprenticeship roles.

*We will use Visa and work history information provided on the application to determine a candidates eligibility for the funding. Failure to provide the correct information is the responsibility of the candidate. Residency for the purposes of education does not qualify.

To undertake training to successfully complete a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship to enable the applicant to be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

To help provide a comprehensive pharmaceutical service with emphasis on the accurate preparation and dispensing of medicines to patients and for the supply of medicines to wards, departments and partnership organisations under supervision.

Participate in local and national audits and monitor compliance with medicines legislation and national and local standards for the safe and secure handling of medicines.

Act as a key member of the multidisciplinary ward team and the wider pharmacy team.

Recognise own limitations and refer to pharmacist/technician where necessary.

Communicate sensitive information concerning patients medicines, requiring the post holder to have persuasive skills.

To carry out accurate and efficient dispensing of medications for in-patients in line with Trust procedure.

Working directly with patients, under supervision of other healthcare professionals, to improve concordance and adherence and to ensure individuals get the best possible outcome from the medicines they use. Deliver medication education to patients through counselling on admission and discharge. This may involve communicating tactfully and with empathy with difficult, hostile or emotional service users. Recognise potential risks, adhere to safety and security advice and seek guidance from the wider team regarding any interactions

• Communicate sensitive information concerning patients medicines to patients with special needs, overcoming barriers to understanding and communication with patients who have physical, mental, social, learning, language, hearing or sight problems.
• Work with other health and social care professionals to ensure effective liaison across all interfaces (secondary care, intermediate care, primary care, social care settings) with the aim of ensuring continuity of patient care on transfer. Communicate details of patient medicines using medicines reconciliation templates.
• Responsible for topping up designated wards to agreed stock levels. This includes expiry date checks and stock rotation.
• To participate in the dispensing and stock supply of Controlled Drugs in accordance with Trust procedure.
• To participate in the management of returned pharmaceuticals and to complete stock checks in accordance with Trust procedures.
• To rotate across sectors i.e. Mental Health, Primary Care Networks and Acute Trusts as outlined in your learning plan.
• To communicate any issues or concerns regarding college assignments or skills units in a timely manner.
• To attend regular progress meetings with the assigned educational supervisor.

For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification

For further information or for an informal chat/visit please contact:

Person Specification

Qualifications/Education

• 4 GCSE qualifications or equivalent at A-C grade in relevant subjects Maths, English and Science Dual Award ( or Chemistry and Biology)

Knowledge

• Basic IT skills
• Experience of use of Patient's Own Drug scheme
• Experience of ward based pharmacy services
• Experience of dispensary/GP surgery

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent time management skills, ability to prioritise own workload
• Able to work alone or as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain and develop good working relationships within ward/pharmacy teams
• Ability to work in difficult/emotive situations
• Recognises personal limitations and seeks advice when necessary

Work related

• Ability and willingness to travel to Trustwide locations
• Ability to communicate at all levels and with external customers
• Willingness and consent to apply for an enhanced CRB disclosure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust