Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Apprentice

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Apprentice to join their dynamic team. This fixed-term, two-year training post involves hands-on experience across various pharmacy departments, leading to a nationally recognized qualification. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic and committed to patient care and continuous development. The role offers a structured training programme with opportunities to work closely with healthcare professionals across hospital sites.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Strong focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and committed to learning.
• Participate in structured training programme.
• Complete online assignments during off-the-job learning time.

Responsibilities

• Identify, select and issue drugs against prescriptions.
• Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
• Participate in ward-based pharmacy, dealing with patients.

Skills

Good communication skills, both written and oral

Hospital experience

Pharmaceutical experience

Education

4 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English, Science and one other, grade C/level 4 or above

NVQ level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent

Job description

Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Apprentice

The closing date is 17 November 2025.

Are you passionate about healthcare and looking to start a career in pharmacy? We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Apprentice. This two‑year training post is a fixed‑term training contract starting 23rd February 2026 - ending February 2028. It combines hands‑on experience across multiple pharmacy departments with structured learning, leading to a nationally recognised qualification and registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

You’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team, rotating through various pharmacy services across our hospital sites, including dispensary, wards, stores, technical services, purchasing, and medicines information. This role is ideal for someone enthusiastic, detail‑oriented, and committed to learning and development.

Main duties of the job

• Identify, select and issue drugs against prescriptions.
• Identify drugs to be booked out using Pharmacy Computer System to maintain stock control.
• Carry out reception duties, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Deal with telephone enquiries, receive outpatient prescriptions and handle prescription charges.
• Undertake drug checks and orders at ward level and provide a top‑up service.
• Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
• Counsel patients on existing and new medications.
• Accurately check dispensed medicines against prescriptions.
• Participate in ward‑based pharmacy, dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Review patients’ lockers for top‑up supplies to prepare for discharge.
• Participate in medicines reconciliation including taking drug histories.
• Identify and receive drugs against an official order, using the Pharmacy Computer System to update stock levels.
• Deal with telephone enquiries, ward/department and community issues.
• Load and operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
• Participate in ward top‑up system.
• Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical items and packaging.
• Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items.

Structured training & rotation

• Participate in a structured training programme including study days, distance learning and on‑the‑job training.
• Rotate through key pharmacy areas: dispensary, wards, stores, technical services, purchasing and medicines information.
• Support Pharmacy Technicians in dispensing, stock control, patient counselling and medicines reconciliation.
• Operate automated pharmacy systems and assist with audits and data management.
• Maintain accurate records and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Attend all mandatory training and comply with health and safety standards.
• Undertake study in personal time and complete all assessments and assignments.
• Attend study sessions and complete distance learning over a 2‑year period.
• Complete online assignments during 20% off‑the‑job learning time.
• Successfully pass the end‑point assessment to qualify as a registered Pharmacy Technician.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave national programme that is changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support and more joined‑up services across health, social care and the voluntary sector. We work more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We are a supportive and inclusive organisation that values our people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Person Specification

• 4 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English, Science and one other, grade C/level 4 or above.
• NVQ level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent.

Experience

• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Hospital experience.
• Pharmaceutical experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.

Our values

• Patient at heart – always holding the patient and their wellbeing at the centre of our thoughts and efforts.
• Everyday excellence – sharing and celebrating our successes, being honest when we get it wrong and giving us the ability to learn from both.
• Creative collaboration – knowing strength comes from diversity, we combine our experiences, skills and talents, working together to find new and better ways to care.