Apprentice Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester is seeking an enthusiastic individual for a Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship starting in February 2026. Applicants should have at least four GCSEs and be self-directed, with a commitment to meet NHS standards. This role offers a unique training opportunity with a focus on patient-centered care and a Band 4 salary. Join a team dedicated to providing high-quality pharmaceutical services.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Access to NHS discounts

Health & Wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Must meet apprenticeship criteria and have a minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent.
• Demonstrate understanding of NHS values and behaviours.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 7-day service schedule, including lates, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff for safe service delivery.
• Apply theory to practice and engage in Medicines Management.

Skills

Self-directed

Effective communication

Compliance with NHS values

Education

Minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent (Maths, English, Chemistry or Biology)

Job description

A Vacancy at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

Role Overview

Are you an enthusiastic and motivated individual looking for a future career as a qualified Pharmacy Technician? This training post includes an apprenticeship and starts February 2026, ending 22 February 2028 at Colchester Hospital.

Applicants must meet apprenticeship criteria and have a minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 9–4 or A*-C (Maths, English and Chemistry or Biology). You must be self‑directed, meet deadlines, commit to self‑study and effectively use study time given by the department to complete the course, making you eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacy Technician. You must demonstrate an understanding of and compliance with the values and behaviours expected of NHS staff and the Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.

Pharmacy Department Context

Pharmacies are busy departments covering a diverse range of activities and functions including:

• Dispenser
• Logistics
• Quality control
• Manufacture/preparation of medicines/products (including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition)
• Clinical trials
• Ward‑based/clinical activities
• Medicines information and community services

We have an automated robotic dispensing and stock supply system. This course places emphasis on clinical ward‑based and dispensary work.

Training and Assessment

During the apprenticeship you will undertake a Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice delivered by the School of Pharmacy at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. The course adopts a blended learning approach using e‑learning, classroom tutorials, practical sessions and portfolio building. There will be ongoing assessments, observations, mandatory study days and forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in a 7‑day service, including lates, weekends and bank holidays.
• Communicate and work effectively with patients, ward‑based teams and multi‑disciplinary staff to provide a safe, timely and efficient patient‑centred service that aids supply, patient compliance and discharges.
• Apply theory to practice, attend mandatory study days, follow procedures and engage in Accredited Checking, Medicines Management and Medicines Reconciliation.
• Support the pharmacy’s core functions and contribute to the overall medication safety and quality of care.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be Band 4 Annex 21: Year 1 (£21,113) at 70% of the top Band 4 and Year 2 (£22,621) at 75% of the top Band 4. Internal applicants will be processed via Annex 30.

Benefits include a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro‑rata), access to NHS discounts and the ESNEFT Staff Health & Wellbeing programme.

Working Hours

As a pharmacy technician, you will engage in a 7‑day service schedule, including lates, weekends and bank holidays.

Additional Information

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Find out about living and working here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

This advert closes on Wednesday 3 Dec 2025.