Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician_HMP Bedford

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust; Bedford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a pre-registration Pharmacy Technician to join the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy team. This two-year apprenticeship will develop essential skills for becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician, including supervision by qualified staff and completing necessary coursework. Candidates must be dedicated to providing excellent patient care in a safe and secure environment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship course.
• Ability to comply with GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals.
• Experience in pharmacy workflows and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Dispense and issue prescriptions under supervision.
• Participate in stock control and management systems.
• Maintain accurate patient care documentation and records.
• Contribute to the dispensary’s operation and maintenance.

Skills

Compassion and understanding for service users

Attention to detail

Ability to work under supervision

Education

GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. 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, 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, including working in the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy Dispensary and completing clinical tasks while maintaining a high level of security at all times. This apprenticeship post includes working remotely one day per week to attend a virtual classroom and/or undertake study as per training provider and 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 covering for other staff.
• To provide medical wings and units with medicines optimisation services under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
• 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 knowledge of and compliance with fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
• To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring standards 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 that maintains the integrity and security of the medicines, while 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.

We’re passionate about delivering first‑class patient‑centred, safe and effective care. 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 equal diversity 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.

This advert closes on Wednesday 10 Dec 2025.