Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (Apprenticeship)

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust in Greater London is seeking a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship. This role offers a fantastic pathway to becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician while working in a stimulating hospital setting. Applicants must hold 4 GCSEs, including Maths and Science, and possess good communication skills. The two-year fixed-term position includes extensive training and support within a collaborative team. Starting salary will be between £27,485 and £30,162 depending on the year of training.

Qualifications

• Must hold 4 GCSEs including Maths, Science, and English.
• Patient counselling and customer care experience are desired.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work in various pharmacy sections including Inpatients and Outpatients Dispensary.
• Support medications management and assist pharmacists in daily tasks.
• Commit to academic training alongside practical work.

Skills

Good oral & written communication skills

Basic mathematical calculations

Ability to organise & prioritise workload

Ability to work under pressure

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to motivate self and others

Education

4 GCSEs Grade 4/C or above including Maths, Science and English

BTEC Certificate in Science or equivalent

Tools

JAC stock control system

Job description

Go back Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (Apprenticeship)

The closing date is 28 December 2025

Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship

Year 1: 70% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HCAS

Year 2: 75% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HCAS

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join our progressive pharmacy team at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.

This is an excellent opportunity to train for a career as a Registered Pharmacy Technician. You will study for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians whilst you work on an Apprenticeship program, gaining experience in various areas of pharmacy within the Hospital.

This is a two year fixed term appointment to commence in February 2026.

Eligibility note: Candidates who hold equivalent qualification at the same level or a higher-level qualification in the pharmacy field will not be considered, as these individuals are not eligible for apprenticeship funding.

Candidates must be UK residents for a minimum of three years in order satisfy apprenticeship eligibility requirements. For further details, please contact the recruiting manager.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicants will be expected to work in our Inpatients Dispensary, Outpatients Dispensary, Distribution, Goods Receipt & Purchasing, Technical Services, Clinical Trials, Medicines Management, Medicines Information and Clinical Governance sections on a rotational basis.

Therota will run across both Chelsea Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital sites.

Full practical training will be provided in-house, with a competency-based programme and you will be expected to undertake underpinning knowledge courses working towards becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician.

The successful candidates will work in an environment that will support patients with their medications, managing the supply of medicines and assisting Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, as well as manufacturing sterile products.

The appointed candidates will need to demonstrate that they are Patient Focused, have good interpersonal and communication skills, be a quick learner, keen to get involved and be committed to the training programme. Good ability to cope with the discipline of studying whilst working as part of a team throughout this busy department is essential;therefore, a professional approach is key.

Candidates must be willing and able to follow an academic and practical training course and commit up to 10 hours per week of your own time for private study.

About us

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

>We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job description and person specifications located under the supporting documents heading.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• 4 GCSEs Grade 4/C or above including Maths, Science and English or BTEC Certificate in Science or equivalent
• Prior knowledge/achievement of NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills

Experience

• Pharmacy experience
• Able to demonstrate completion of assigned tasks e.g. Studies undertaken resulted in qualification
• Able to work to standard operating procedure and policies
• Patient counselling and customer care
• Dispensing experience
• Pharmacy labelling and stock control systems
• Hospital pharmacy experience
• Ability to use JAC stock control system
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice

Skills and Knowledge

• Good oral & written communication skills
• Perform basic mathematical calculations in relation to work
• Interpret & dispense prescriptions accurately
• Ability to organise & prioritise workload
• Word processing, e-mail, accurate date entry skills
• Effectively provide advice to patients regarding medicines
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work under supervision
• Ability to supervise and participate in the training of others
• Ability to motivate self and others

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiasm for the position
• Methodical with attention to detail
• Friendly, empathetic and reliable team worker able to relate to all grades of staff
• Ability to cope well within a busy environment
• Good initiative
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good ability to work independently
• Good ability to organise own work
• Good time management
• Satisfactory manual dexterity required for all activities
• Capable of moderate physical activity - sometimes for heavy loads
• Hard working and conscientious
• Good team player and demonstrates reliability
• Punctual
• Demonstrates awareness of self-development
• Demonstrates evidence of being able and willing to understand our Trust PROUD values

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.

Address

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Yr1-70% of top band 4 & Yr2–75% of top band 4 +inner London HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

289-CS-250

Job locations

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust