Pre-Reg Trainee Pharmacy Technician - Band 2/3

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Job Overview
Are you interested in training to become a qualified Pharmacy Technician? This is a fantastic opportunity for someone interested in a pharmacy career to ‘earn while you learn’ and to complete a Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This will allow you to apply for technician posts across multiple sectors.

For your course you will be employed on a full-time basis. This is a blended programme of study days and workplace training to prepare you for registration. You will rotate through the various sections of pharmacy, such as patient services and supply services, to develop a diverse range of skills whilst supporting patients through their hospital stay.

You will be supported by an experienced Pharmacy Learning and Development Team as well as online tutors. The course involves online learning and self-direction/motivation.

The course runs for two years (fixed-term contract) working in the pharmacy department in Southmead hospital. You will need to have a minimum of four GCSE passes (C/4 grade or above or equivalent) in Mathematics, English and Science and one other. You will need to be self-driven, have good communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to react to changing situations.

The course providers require a valid visa to be in place for the full duration of the 2 years to allow enrolment.

Internal employees within pharmacy at Band 3 and above will be capped at Band 3.

Interviews on 1/12/25
Course starts 23/2/26
Main duties of the job

• To undertake the Pharmacy Technician course.
• To complete virtual guided learning provided by the training provider as well as workplace training within the partnership.
• Work on a rotational basis, gaining competencies and experience as defined by the Pharmacy Technician course.
• Competence will be assessed through the completion of a portfolio of evidence and knowledge will be assessed through completion of marked tasks.
• It is a contractual requirement that the post holder completes all the educational activities within the period of the contract, meeting set deadlines throughout the course - failure to do so could lead to termination of the contract.
• Complete tasks and goals set in the workplace by the work training supervisor and learning and development team.

Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services. North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

If you are from outside the area, Bristol is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the UK, with a rich history, thriving arts, music, gastronomic and independent retail scenes, excellent transport links and easy access to the spectacular countryside and coastlines of South Wales, Devon, and Cornwall.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• A 2 year fixed term rotational training post to learn and put into practice the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• To successfully complete the Pharmacy Technician Course to enable registration with the GPhC. This is a competency and knowledge-based qualification to be delivered both by formal education & training via the Education Provider, online, in the workplace and, where required, face to face. The post holder’s progress will be monitored and supported by a Workplace Training Supervisor.
• To undertake, on a rotational basis, a wide range of duties which includes dispensing, medicines supply, procurement and stock control, ward based services, and medicines management and counselling of patients.
• There may be the requirement to work across other sites depending on service needs and rotations.
• To undertake, on a rotational basis, a range of smaller taster placements deemed appropriate to provide exposure and experience relevant to pharmacy practice e.g. PCN, pharmacy production etc.
• All duties carried out by the Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician will be under direct supervision and are operating within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria

• 4 GCSE passes grade C/4 or above including Maths, English and Science (or equivalent) – (certificates to be brought to interview)

Desirable criteria

• A level qualification in Maths, English or Science
• Pharmacy Level 2 dispenser qualification
• Pharmacy Level 2 medicines counter assistant qualification

Work Experience
Desirable criteria

• Previous Hospital Pharmacy employment
• Previous primary care/community pharmacy experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria

• Ability to react to changing situations required by the organisation on a daily basis and liaise with staff accordingly
• Ability to meet required deadlines for qualification and work tasks
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and work to a high degree of accuracy
• Standard I.T. competencies in Word, PowerPoint and Excel or equivalent programs
• Organisational skills and the ability to maintain an online portfolio of work-based experience

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential criteria

• Self-motivated individual with an organised and logical approach to work and learning
• Able to deal and communicate professionally with all levels of staff, patients and stakeholders. Demonstrate understanding and empathy when required.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues and high-pressure situations.
• Meet the criteria to enrol onto the apprenticeship
• Staff are required to work any combination of hours between 08:00 – 19:00. Shift patterns will be allocated once appointed, and will include weekend working on a rotational basis.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.