Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Chelmsford is offering an exciting apprenticeship opportunity for a Pharmacy Technician. The successful candidate will train through the University of East Anglia while gaining practical experience in various pharmacy departments. This position requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science, along with a full UK driving license. Join a supportive team that values dedication and provides opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 14.5% employer pension contribution

Staff discounts including NHS offers

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science.
• Valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
• Strong commitment to private study.

Responsibilities

• Dispense medication and validate prescriptions.
• Work with healthcare professionals on medication supplies.
• Support patients in using their medicines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication with healthcare professionals

Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team

Self-discipline

Education

4 GCSEs grade A*-C or equivalent

Job description

We have an opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic and dedicated individual to train to become a registered pharmacy technician.

If you have an interest in medicines, show attention to detail and want to fulfil a key role in supporting patient healthcare then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

This is a rewarding and challenging role that enables you to be in gainful, full time employment whilst completing a formal training programme that leads to a nationally recognised professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Apprenticeship will involve:

• Enrolment onto a 2 year education programme through the University of East Anglia (UEA), that provides the underpinning knowledge to become a registered pharmacy technician
• Practical training in the workplace to develop skills across multiple pharmacy departments
• Collecting evidence, completing assignments and creating a portfolio, to demonstrate your application of knowledge and skill

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post and other Pharmacy Qualifications, including overseas Pharmacy Qualifications, would result in ineligibility for the apprenticeship funding and as such we are not able to consider applicants who have these qualifications.

Pharmacy technicians manage the supply of medicines in a pharmacy, assist with advisory services, and are responsible for carrying out routine and specialist services, including highly complex activities requiring them to use their professional judgement. They are expected to work both individually and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, and have a positive attitude, self‑discipline and show initiative.

They are able to work with minimum supervision, with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work that they have undertaken, and that of others. They also develop leadership skills that reflect the regulatory requirements of the profession.

You will be trained with the knowledge and skills to optimise patients’ use of medicines.

• In the dispensary to dispense medication, receive and validate prescriptions, communicate with patients and healthcare professionals, manage pharmacy stock of medicines, including controlled drugs.
• In the ward setting: Work as part of a multi‑professional team to check patient’s own drugs and supply medications for individuals, take drug histories, undertake medicines reconciliation, counsel patients on the use of their medicines as required under supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff’s hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
•  £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

You will work within the pharmacy environment while studying for the Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice through the University of East Anglia. The next cohort begins on the 23rd February 2026 and we are looking for the successful candidate to be in post for that time.

The programme will combine some or all of the following elements: work-based learning, distance learning, classroom learning (face-to‑face or video), residential study days, network study days, private study and completion of assignments. It will require a very strong commitment to private study in your own time.

Required qualifications

You will require a minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A* - C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including:

• GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Functional Skills Level 2*
• GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Functional Skills Level 2
• GCSE Science x 1 at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent

*PLEASE NOTE that English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is not an equivalent to GCSE English Grade C/Level 4 or above and does not meet the entry requirements.

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification for the full list of entry requirements for this post.

The training post is based initially at our pharmacy in Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3AG, working 37.5 hours per week (may include weekend, bank holiday, early and late working rotas, as required) but will require working in our clinical locations across the EPUT Region which spans the whole county. As such a full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential as many of the locations are not accessible by public transport.

You must have a valid driving licence for the UK, with access to a vehicle for work purposes, as the post involves visiting a range of hospital and other locations across the EPUT region which spans the county.

Start date

We are looking for candidates who can start on the 16/02/2026.

If you feel you have the personal qualities required for this apprenticeship post we would like to receive your application.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post and other Pharmacy Qualifications, including overseas Pharmacy Qualifications, would result in ineligibility for the apprenticeship funding and as such we are not able to consider applicants who have these qualifications.

For further details / informal visits please contact: Adam Jones - Pharmacy Operational Business Manager on 07581050355.

This advert closes on Thursday 20 Nov 2025.