Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician - Fixed Term (2 years)

Job Summary
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).

The 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.

Main duties of the job
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.

About us
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 to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• 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.

Details
Date posted: 16 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year (role is approx 75% of Band 4 in line with AfC)
Contract: Fixed term (2 years)
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 364-B-259
Job locations: Chelmsford, CM13AG

Job responsibilities
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 in September 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.

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

In place of English and maths GCSEs, we may be able to consider Functional Skills L2.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we may require evidence of proficiency in English (including reading, writing, speaking and listening) at the following level: IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications and recognise some applicants might take a mixture of different qualifications. If you hold or are working towards any alternative qualifications at a similar level, including any qualifications taken outside of the UK, we will work with your employer/prospective employer to establish eligibility for entry to the course. For more information, contact: enquiries.ptpt@uea.ac.uk.

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.

We are looking for candidates who can start in time for the September 2026 Cohort for UEA.

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.

Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential

• 4 GCSEs (A*-C or 9-4) or equivalent including English, Maths and Science

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy

Skills / Experience
Essential

• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• IT Skills (Microsoft Packages)
• Accurate with Attention to Detail
• Experience of working to Deadlines

Desirable

• Pharmacy / Hospital Experience
• Awareness of Information Governance and Patient Confidentiality
• Dispensing Experience
• Knowledge and Understanding of Standard Operating Procedures

Personal qualities
Essential

• Ability to work within a Team or Independently
• Car Driver and Ability to Travel Throughout the EPUT Region & to attend Study Days
• Methodical and logical in approach to tasks
• Understands and works within their own professional limitations
• Commitment to study in their own time

Desirable

• Ability to understand and empathise with people suffering from mental illness
• Identifies and Understands the Trust Values
• Keen to learn and develop as a registered Pharmacy Technician

Additional Information
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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.