Apprentice Pharmacy Technician

NHS; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Plymouth is seeking an apprentice pharmacy technician to participate in a comprehensive training program. The role involves working across various departments, undertaking dispensary duties, and ensuring an efficient medicines management service. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including English and Maths. This position offers the opportunity to develop skills and contribute to patient care in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity, and effectiveness at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Work in all areas of the department under supervision.
• Gain experience applying theoretical knowledge to practical skills.
• Undertake general dispensary duties in accordance with SOPs.
• Assist in maintaining optimal stock levels in the dispensary.
• Use the pharmacy computer system efficiently.

Skills

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

5 GCSE's grade 4-9 (C or above) including English, Maths, science

Job description

To train via an apprenticeship of BTEC Level 3 in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians, to then enrol and register as a GPhC registered pharmacy technician. Technicians working within the trust Improve the quality of care of patients by provision of an efficient medicines management service, including drug history taking and medicines reconciliation, facilitation of the use of patients own drugs, one stop dispensing, counselling patients on their discharge medicines and discharge coordination.

Interview dates 24th November and 25th November 2025

Main duties of the job

To rotate throughout the department during a 2-year period in order to gain relevant experience to complete a pharmacy apprenticeship in level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Services and to attend college to gain underpinning knowledge to complete BTEC level 3 in principles and practice for pharmacy technicians.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

To work in all areas of the department in a training capacity and under supervision, to learn skills and knowledge, and to become aware of department policies and procedures.

To gain experience in applying theoretical knowledge to practical skills. Work will be subject to continuous assessment. To produce a portfolio of evidence to prove sufficient competence.

To undertake general dispensary duties, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and within the legal framework

To assist in maintaining optimal stock levels within the dispensary, liaising with patients, colleagues and ward staff to ensure that immediate and future needs can be met.

To use the pharmacy computer system efficiently

To participate in departmental team meetings regarding procedures and practices.

To undertake general technical service duties, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and the legal framework for the supply of medicines;

• Production cytotoxic drugs for parenteral administration, intravenous antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition and non-sterile products (e.g. creams and oral liquids).
• Worksheets preparation of worksheets.
• Preparation- preparation of products in aseptic suite.

Participate in weekend, bank holiday and late night rotas as required

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Work to the Trust values - Put people first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.
• Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
• Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.
• Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
• Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
• Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.
• Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.
• Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
• Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
• Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.
• Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.

Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations

• Works closely with:
  • Student tutor.
  • Assessors.
  • College tutor and lecturers.
  • Pharmacy line managers.

Liaises with:

• Pharmacists, technicians and ATOs to ensure training is comprehensive.
• Fellow students Ability to work late nights, weekends and bank holidays on a rota essential.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• 5 GCSE's grade 4-9 (C or above) including English, Maths, science (double or triple science is accepted or BTEC L3 in applied science) or equivalent level of qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Aptitude and Abilities

• Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.

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.

£23,809.50 a yearSuccessful Internal candidates pay protected