Job summary
Are you passionate about healthcare and looking to start a career in pharmacy?

We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Apprentice. This two-year training post is a fixed term training contract starting 21st September 2026 - ending September 2028, combines hands-on experience across multiple pharmacy departments with structured learning, leading to a nationally recognised qualification and ability to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council after satisfying all requirements.

Main duties of the job
Youll be part of a dynamic and supportive team, rotating through various pharmacy services across our hospital sites, including the dispensary, various ward specialities and pharmacy stores. This role is ideal for someone enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and committed to learning and development.

This post is a two-year fixed term training contract requiring attendance at study sessions and distance learning over a 2-year period to successfully attain the required knowledge and competence to complete the approved pharmacy technician qualification. This will include completing on-line assignments during the 20% off the job learning as well as in own time and successfully pass the end point assessment.
To rotate through pharmacy departments of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust to successfully complete the training and assessment program. This will include working to all SOPs in each area of Pharmacy.

About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training programme including study days, distance learning, and on-the-job training.
• Rotate through key pharmacy areas including dispensary, wards and stores.
• Support Pharmacy Technicians in dispensing, stock control, patient counselling, prescription accuracy checking and medicines reconciliation.
• Operate automated pharmacy systems and assist with audits and data management.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, take part in audit and projects
• Maintain accurate records and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Attend all mandatory training and comply with health and safety standards.
• Undertake study in personal time and complete all assessments and assignments.
• Attend study sessions and complete distance learning over a 2-year period.
• Complete online assignments during 20% off-the-job learning time.
• Successfully pass the end-point assessment to qualify as a registered Pharmacy Technician

You will rotate through:

• Dispensary: Dispense medications, counsel patients, manage stock, and operate automated systems.
• Wards: Participate in ward-based pharmacy services, medicines reconciliation, and discharge planning.
• Pharmacy Stores: Receive and issue drugs, manage stock levels, and ensure proper storage.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• 4 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English, Science and one other, grade C/level 4 or above

Desirable

• NVQ level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent

Experience
Desirable

• Hospital Experience
• Pharmaceutical Experience

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.