About this role
Job summary We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking individuals to join the Pharmacy teams at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital as Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Apprentices. This two-year fixed-term apprenticeship, commencing in February 2027, provides an excellent opportunity to begin a career as a registered Pharmacy Technician. Working alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, you will support the safe and effective use of medicines while gaining experience across a range of pharmacy services. You will undertake a structured training programme leading to the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians, combining full-time employment with academic study, workplace assessments and portfolio completion. One day each week is dedicated to study, although additional independent learning will be required. Throughout the programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a registered healthcare professional. On successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Applicants must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English, Maths and one Science subject, and meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Main duties of the job
Contract: Fixed term 2 years (Apprenticeship) Start date: February 2027 Location: Base site will be either Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich or University Hospital Lewisham You will gain experience across a wide range of pharmacy services through a structured rotational training programme designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a registered pharmacy technician.
Rotations may include: Inpatient dispensary services: Outpatient pharmacy services: Community pharmacy placements: Clinical trials: Ward-based medicines management: Stores and procurement services.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, you will support the safe and effective supply and management of medicines while developing your professional, technical and communication skills.
A professional approach is essential, as the role requires balancing study commitments with work-based learning within a busy healthcare environment.
This is more than just a training programme. It is the beginning of a professional career where you will make a real difference to patients every day while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to become a registered Pharmacy Technician.
If you are enthusiastic about healthcare, committed to learning and ready to embrace the challenge of combining work and study, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and start your journey towards becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
About us
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development Widening access (anchor institution) and employability Improving the experience of staff with disability Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development Making equalities mainstream
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for additional information.
As a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician you will:
Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in a structured 2-year rotational training programme, covering inpatient and outpatient dispensary services, ward-based medicines management, and pharmacy stores. Dispense, supply and label medicines for patients under the supervision of registered staff, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Support ward-based services by completing competencies in medicines management. Helping to check stock levels, replenish medicines, and ensure the safe and timely supply of medication to patients. Assist with the receipt, storage, issue and ordering of medicines in line with legal, professional and Trust standards. Learn to operate pharmacy IT systems (e.g. dispensing systems, stock management systems, Omnicell) accurately and effectively. Follow all relevant SOPs, local policies, and national legal requirements relating to medicines handling and data protection. Maintain accurate training records and participate fully in assessments, appraisals and progress reviews. Balance study and workplace learning, making effective use of one protected study day per week and personal study time. Demonstrate a professional, patient-centred approach in all activities. Key Relationships
Pharmacy Education & Training team receive guidance, supervision and progress reviews. Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists work alongside and under their supervision during rotations. Nursing and medical staff collaborate on wards to support medicines management and safe patient care. Patients and carers provide a helpful, courteous service when interacting in dispensaries or on the wards.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training Essential
4 GCSEs or equivalent Grade 9 - 4 (A* - C), including 1 core science subject plus English and Math
Desirable
NVQ/BTEC Level 2 in Pharmacy Services
Experience Desirable
Previous pharmacy or healthcare experience Experience managing study, work or other commitments and meeting deadlines Experience working in a customer-facing environment
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Demonstrates and understanding of the pharmacy technician role Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately Demonstrates awareness of patient-centred care and the importance of supporting patients safely and compassionately Good literacy and numeracy skills Ability to work accurately under pressure with frequent interruptions Demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative and willingness to learn Demonstrates compassion, empathy and respect for others
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.
Employer details Employer name Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address Queen Elizabeth Hospital & University Hospital Lewisham
Stadium Road
London
SE18 4QH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)