Apprentice Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians - ICS only

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Maidstone is seeking Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians for a 2-year fixed-term contract. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of four GCSEs, including English and Maths, and will gain hands-on experience in various pharmacy services. Benefits include at least 27 days of annual leave and membership in the NHS Pension Scheme. This role is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to advance in the pharmacy profession.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave

NHS Pension Scheme membership

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Minimum of four GCSEs including English, Maths, and one relevant science subject.
• Willing to commit to self-directed study and on-the-job training.
• Provide proof of qualification equivalency if obtained outside the UK.

Responsibilities

• Train under supervision while rotating through various Pharmacy departments.
• Participate in weekend and bank holiday rota after training.
• Support in achieving the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Technician.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Four GCSEs at grade 4/C or equivalent

Job description

Vacancy at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System (ICS).

37.5 hours per week, 2-year fixed-term contract commencing February 2026.

Band 4 Annex 21 – First year 70% the top of band 4, second year 75% (unless you are already working at the trust, you will be eligible for pay protection).

We are currently recruiting three Pre‑registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians to join our expanding team. This is an exciting time to enter the pharmacy profession, with the role of Pharmacy Technician evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly central to the delivery of NHS services.

We have three trainee posts available:

• 1 post in the main Pharmacy at Maidstone Hospital
• 1 post in the main Pharmacy at Tunbridge Wells Hospital
• 1 post in our specialist Oncology Department

As a Pre‑registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT), you will train while working under supervision, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of pharmacy services. You’ll rotate through all our Pharmacy departments, including:

• Dispensary
• Stores
• Distribution
• Procurement
• Clinical Services

Once you’ve completed essential training to ensure competence, you’ll be required to participate in the weekend and bank holiday rota.

Training and Support

You’ll receive full on‑the‑job training from experienced Pharmacy professionals. We place a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your training journey.

• You’ll be allocated dedicated study time at work.
• You must also be prepared to commit to significant self‑directed study in your own time.
• We’ll support you in achieving the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians and the registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) upon completion.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4/C or equivalent qualifications, including:

• English
• Maths
• One relevant science subject (e.g. Biology or Chemistry)

If your qualifications were obtained outside the UK, you must provide official equivalency (via UK ENIC/NARIC). This must confirm that your overseas qualifications meet the required UK standard, specifically for English and Maths.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Click here to hear what our staff say.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more – additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

This advert closes on Friday 28 Nov 2025.