Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Hove; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians to join their pharmacy department. The role requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, and one Science, along with the ability to provide medication safely under supervision. The position offers full educational support over a fixed term of 24 months, with the aim to gain a Level 3 diploma and qualification as a registered Pharmacy Technician.

Benefits

Full educational support

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Must provide certificates at the interview stage.
• Meet eligibility criteria for UK Apprenticeships.

Responsibilities

• Dispense prescriptions for inpatient and outpatient medication.
• Participate in pharmacy reception duties.
• Check inpatient prescriptions and identify required medications.
• Train and develop a work-based portfolio during the apprenticeship.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Ability to work under supervision

Education

Minimum 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, and one Science

Job description

Overview

Are you interested in earning a wage whilst training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification to become a Pharmacy Technician? An exciting opportunity for Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician(s) (PTPTs) to join the pharmacy department at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust based at either Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Candidates must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent. They must be GCSE Grade C/4 or above and must include Maths, English Language, ONE Science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) and one other GCSE. Certificates will need to be provided at the interview stage to verify. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria for UK Apprenticeships.

Find out more about the role of the Pharmacy Technician here: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/pharmacy/roles-pharmacy/pharmacy-technician

The successful candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to service delivery on a flexible working basis which will include weekends, late duties and bank holidays.

Requirements

Eligibility and qualifications include:

• Minimum 4 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths, English and ONE Science and one other GCSE (at grade C/4 or above).
• Certificates to be provided at interview for verification.
• Eligibility criteria for UK Apprenticeships.

Main responsibilities

• To undertake dispensing of prescriptions for inpatient, outpatient and discharge medication. To dispense ward stock controlled drugs (CDs) in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
• To participate in pharmacy reception duties; including responding to telephone calls and visitors promptly, inputting all prescription types onto the electronic tracking system.
• To process and assemble orders of stock items for wards, departments, and other hospitals.
• To check inpatient prescriptions and identify all inpatient medication that is required to be dispensed. To order medications using the EPMA system. To refer any medication changes to the ward pharmacy technician and/or ward pharmacist.
• To provide daily ward visits and determine the suitability of Patient Own Drugs (PODs) against agreed criteria for re-use and refer (if necessary) to the pharmacy clinical team.
• To identify whether the patient has sufficient PODs on the ward and determine whether an additional supply is needed and discuss with the clinical team as necessary. When transcribing for a medicine supply attention to detail is imperative and all work would be appropriately supervised and witnessed.
• To provide a final accuracy check on prescribed items against a valid prescription. If any dispensing errors identified, provide appropriate feedback to the dispenser so the item can be corrected, or referral to the pharmacist if the query relates to a medicine or prescription.
• Train and work under supervision to develop a work-based portfolio, undertaking work-based assessments and completing all assignments/projects.

Training and progression

Full educational support is provided, with a requirement to quickly learn new IT systems and embrace new technology to provide safe and effective care to patients. The training involves a vigorous program with four days per week at the chosen hospital site (Brighton or Haywards Heath) and planned rotations over 2 years, plus one day per week in a virtual classroom. Training includes developing a work-based portfolio and gaining the Level 3 diploma, with the end point assessment (EPA) leading to eligibility to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a registered Pharmacy Technician.

Details

• Fixed term: February 2026 to February 2028
• Band 3
• Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per annum
• Contract: Fixed term, duration 24 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Job locations: Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospital, Eastern Road and Lewes road, Brighton and Haywards Heath, BN2 5BE

About Us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We are committed to wellbeing and professional development so you can grow and feel valued.