Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician
As University Hospitals Dorset we are a three site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m.
We offer highly regarded health services, employing some 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £250m estates programme is well on the way to delivering state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the populations we serve.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches you’ll find inspirational opportunities to achieve your perfect work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks on our doorstep, we’re also less than three hours from London by road or train.The thriving towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch give way to idyllic villages and unspoilt landscapes just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that having a diverse workforce, and allowing people to be themselves, is essential in ensuring we offer an inclusive, welcoming and productive place to work.
We especially welcome applications from minority groups in the community who may be underrepresented in our workforce.
At UHD our active staff network groups are the Women's Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group.
As a Trust we are proudly signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
Job overview
Are you interested in a rewarding new career in Pharmacy? Earn whilst you learn with a two year Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship!
We have several vacancies for Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians (PTPTs) and are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our team.
Candidates must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science at Grade 4/C or above, be able to demonstrate they are committed to a career in Pharmacy and will ideally have some previous pharmacy experience. Evidence of essential qualifications must be provided prior to interview.Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
All posts are fixed term for 2 years with a full-time contract of 37.5 hours per week and require participation in the late night, weekend and Bank Holiday rotas. In exceptional circumstances and reviewed on a case by case basis, a minimum of 30 hours per week may be considered.
Candidates will need to be available to start in September 2025.
Interview dates: 19th June 2025
Main duties of the job
Throughout the two year post, PTPTs will gain practical experience and develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours across rotational opportunities in dispensary, pharmacy stores, community pharmacy and hospital wards. This is whilst undertaking a distance learning apprenticeship delivered by an accredited external education provider.
By the end of the two years PTPTs will;- Have attained a Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Be able to apply for Pharmacy Technician roles nationally
A learning contract must be adhered to at all times.
Working for our organisation
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how
we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term.Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
For more information on training as a pharmacy technician and to view a webinar recording visit:
- https://joinourdorset.nhs.uk/pharmacy/techs/
For more information on apprenticeships and eligibility criteria visit:
- https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- 4 GCSEs to include:
- English GCSE at Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English Language evidence, which can include Functional Skills level 2*
- Maths GCSE at grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy, which can include Functional Skills Level 2
- Science GCSE x 1 at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent
- Must be eligible for apprenticeship funding
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)
- Medicine Counter Assistant Qualification
Experience
Desirable criteria- Previous Pharmacy experience
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential criteria- Methodical and accurate approach, ensuring attention to detail
- Good I.T. skills
- Neat
- Numerate
Knowledge
Desirable criteria- Background knowledge in dispensing and the day to day running of hospital pharmacy / pharmacy settings
Other requirements
Essential criteria- Prepared to participate in Weekend / Bank Holiday / Late Night rota
- Prepared to undertake a substantial amount of study in own time
- Must be able to independently travel between and to all locations necessary for training and work placements
- A genuine enthusiasm for a career in Pharmacy
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria- Confident but willing to be aware of own limitations / authority
- Willing to learn and share knowledge with others
- Conscientious and reliable
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Smart and professional image
Language Requirement
Essential criteria- Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role
Please note:
Staff recruited are expected to be available to work flexibly across all our Trust locations to meet service demands.
This advert may be closed early if sufficient applications are received.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst this vaccination is not a condition of employment we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.
Internal Candidates: staff employed prior to merger who voluntarily change jobs will be appointed to UHD terms and conditions.