Pre-Registration Student Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship QE & UHL

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust; London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A public healthcare organization in London is seeking motivated individuals for a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician position. This role offers a structured 2-year apprenticeship, combining academic study and workplace training, leading to a BTEC Level 3 Diploma. Candidates must hold at least 4 GCSEs and have an understanding of the role. Starting salary is between £27,485 and £30,162 annually, depending on the year of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (grade C/4 or above).
• Previous experience in Pharmacy preferred.
• Literate and numerate with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and supply medicines for inpatients and outpatient clinics.
• Support ward-based medicines management services.
• Participate in a structured 2-year rotational training programme.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Numeracy

Education

4 GCSEs (including Maths, English, and Science)

NVQ/BTEC Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Job description

We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and hardworking individuals to join our Pharmacy Departments at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich as Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians.

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare and take the first step towards becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician--a vital role in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Over two years, you will undertake a structured apprenticeship programme combining academic study and workplace training, leading to the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

On completion, you will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Qualifications and Eligibility

Minimum of 4 GCSEs (grade C/4 or above), including Maths, English, and a Science subject.

Please note: some higher qualifications (e.g., certain degrees) may make applicants ineligible due to apprenticeship funding rules.

Applicants must have an awareness of the role of a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital setting.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Main duties of the job

What we offer:

• Contract: Fixed term 2 years (Apprenticeship)
• Start date: February 2026
• Location: University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital

This is more than just a training programme--it's a gateway to a lifelong career in the NHS where you'll make a real difference to patients every day.

As a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician, you will take part in a rotational training programme designed to give you a broad and practical foundation in hospital pharmacy services. You will:

• Dispense and supply medicines for inpatients and specialist outpatient clinics.
• Support ward-based medicines management services, ensuring our patients receive the right medicines at the right time.
• Gain experience in stores.
• Rotate through inpatient dispensary, community outpatient placement, wards, medicines information and stores.
• Work under the supervision of our experienced qualified pharmacy teams while gradually developing independence and competence.
• Balance your workplace learning with one study day a week and additional personal study commitments.

Apply now and start your journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician of the future!

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for additional information.

As a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician you will:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured 2-year rotational training programme, covering inpatient and outpatient dispensary services, ward-based medicines management, and pharmacy stores.
• Dispense, supply and label medicines for patients under the supervision of registered staff, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support ward-based services by completing competencies in medicines management. Helping to check stock levels, replenish medicines, and ensure the safe and timely supply of medication to patients.
• Assist with the receipt, storage, issue and ordering of medicines in line with legal, professional and Trust standards.
• Learn to operate pharmacy IT systems (e.g. dispensing systems, stock management systems, Omnicell) accurately and effectively.
• Follow all relevant SOPs, local policies, and national legal requirements relating to medicines handling and data protection.
• Maintain accurate training records and participate fully in assessments, appraisals and progress reviews.
• Balance study and workplace learning, making effective use of one protected study day per week and personal study time.
• Demonstrate a professional, patient-centred approach in all activities.

Key Relationships

• Pharmacy Education & Training team receive guidance, supervision and progress reviews.
• Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists work alongside and under their supervision during rotations.
• Nursing and medical staff collaborate on wards to support medicines management and safe patient care.
• Patients and carers provide a helpful, courteous service when interacting in dispensaries or on the wards.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• 4 GCSEs or equivalent Grade 9 - 4 (A* - C), including 1 core science subject plus English and Math
• NVQ/BTEC Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Experience

• Previous experience of Pharmacy
• Previous experience of working towards and meeting deadlines

Knowledge and Skills

• Literate and numerate
• Ability to organise and manage own time
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative
• Ability to work accurately under pressure with frequent interruptions

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.

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Year 1: 70% of top of Band 4. Year 2: 75% of top of Band 4.