Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician_HMP Bedford

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician to be part of the HMP Bedford Pharmacy team. This apprenticeship involves learning to dispense and manage pharmacy operations under supervision, while completing a GPhC approved course. Candidates must have a good level of basic education and a willingness to learn, with opportunities for career development in a safe and supportive environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Supportive training environment

Qualifications

• Good level of basic education to meet the training provider enrolment requirements.
• Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary.
• Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard.
• Completion of medicine optimisation training.

Responsibilities

• To accurately dispense and issue prescriptions under supervision.
• To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems.
• To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care.
• To provide patients with advice and guidance on their medicines.

Skills

Computer literate

Good time management skills

Good organisation and prioritisation skills

Dispensing skills

Confident use of electronic prescribing

Ability to motivate self and others

Able to work under pressure

Education

Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C or equivalent

Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician_HMP Bedford

The closing date is 10 December 2025

This is a training post, to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

The successful candidate will be enrolled onto a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship course.

This will involve working as part of the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy team and completing assignments/exams as set by the training provider.

The pre-registration pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician carrying out all the required duties of a registered pharmacy technician.

This will include working in the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy Dispensary & completing clinical tasks, taking into consideration the high level of security which must be maintained at all times.

This is an apprenticeship post and will include working remotely 1 day per week to attend a virtual classroom and/or undertake study as per training provider + apprenticeship requirements.

The training course duration is 2 years. Success is determined by completing set assignments/assessments, attending '12-week reviews' and meeting the 'end-point assessment' criteria.

Main duties of the job

• To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating procedures, and local Medicines Policy
• To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
• To receive prescriptions and orders from other healthcare and medical staff, in accordance with dispensary procedures.
• To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy and the prison wings
• To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems
• To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessary cover for other staff.
• To provide medical wings and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.

About us

We're passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient's own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people.

We're always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we're hoping to find our future leaders and we'll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career. With a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more - whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.

Job responsibilities

To instruct clinical staff in the correct procedures for record keeping, security and storage of controlled drugs

To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.

To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.

To work at other HMP pharmacy sites when necessary

To maintain high levels of personal safety and security, be constantly vigilant and adhere to security protocols at all times.

To ensure that pharmaceuticals are transported within the prison in a manner which maintains the integrity and security of the medicines; whilst adhering to necessary safety precautions.

To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times

To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians

To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training and completion of 12-week reviews

To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician

To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively

To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician

To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role‑model behaviour at all times

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good level of basic education to meet the training provider enrolment requirements: Maths, English GCSE grade A*‑C (4‑9) or equivalent OR Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*‑C (4‑9) or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary
• Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard
• Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification This can include: Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) –Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
• Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)

Experience

• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of Health and Safety practices
• Experience of working to deadlines
• Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting
• Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
• Previous experience of working in a secure environment (Prison, YOI etc.)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Good time management skills, able to work to deadlines
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills
• Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
• Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems
• Ability to motivate self and others
• Ability to travel to other CNWL sites within London as part of the rotation
• Able to work under pressure

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.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust