About this role
Job summary
Are you interested in training to become a qualified Pharmacy Technician? This is a fantastic opportunity to start your pharmacy career while earning and learning through a structuredPharmacy Technician Apprenticeship, leading to registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
This is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term training programme based at Southmead Hospital, combining workplace learning with structured study. You'll rotate through key areas of the pharmacy department--including patient services and medicines supply--developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to support patients throughout their hospital stay.
You will be supported by an experienced Pharmacy Learning and Development Team, alongside external training providers. The programme includes a mix of online learning, study days, and hands-on experience, so you'll need to be motivated, organised, and able to manage your own learning.
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. Internal employees within Pharmacy at Band 3 and above will be capped at Band 3.
Course start date: February 2027
Main duties of the job
- Undertake the Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship programme, completing both academic and workplace-based learning
- Rotate through different areas of the pharmacy department to gain a broad range of skills and experience
- Complete a portfolio of evidence and assessments to demonstrate competence and knowledge
- Carry out tasks and objectives set by your Workplace Training Supervisor and the Learning and Development Team
- Work within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under supervision
- Meet all required deadlines and learning outcomes as part of the apprenticeship programme
Please note: successful completion of all educational components within the contract period is a requirement of the role. Failure to meet these requirements may result in termination of the contract.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy
Please note to be eligible for the apprenticeship you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years
- Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visa's issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirements
- Not be currently working towards any other government funded training programme
- Hold GCSE Maths , English, Science and one other subject at a minimum of Grade C/4 and be able to evidence this as part of your application
Main Duties
This is a two-year, fixed-term rotational training post designed to enable the post holder to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The post holder will be required to successfully complete an approved Pharmacy Technician training programme, incorporating both knowledge-based learning and workplace competency assessments. Training will be delivered through a combination of formal education provided by the appointed Education Provider, online learning, supervised workplace experience and face-to-face teaching where required.
The post holder will undertake a range of rotational placements across pharmacy services, gaining experience in dispensing, medicines supply, procurement and stock control, ward-based pharmacy services, medicines management and patient counselling. There may also be opportunities or requirements to undertake placements at other sites, depending on service needs and the requirements of the training programme. In addition to core rotations, the post holder may undertake shorter observational or experiential placements in specialist areas, such as pharmacy production, primary care networks (PCNs) and other relevant pharmacy settings, to broaden their understanding of pharmacy practice and patient care.
All duties will be undertaken under appropriate supervision, in accordance with Trust policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the individual's level of competence and the requirements of the training programme. Progress will be monitored and supported by a designated Workplace Training Supervisor, with overall coordination and oversight of the training programme provided by the Education and Training team. Competence will be demonstrated through workplace assessments and the completion of a portfolio of evidence, while underpinning knowledge will be assessed through academic assignments, examinations and other assessments specified by the Education Provider.
The post holder is expected to demonstrate commitment to their professional development, actively engage with all aspects of the training programme and successfully complete the required educational and workplace assessments within the specified timescales. This includes meeting academic deadlines, maintaining an up-to-date portfolio and demonstrating satisfactory progress throughout both years of training. Successful completion of the training programme within the two-year fixed-term contract is an expectation of the role. Failure to meet the required academic, competency or professional standards may result in formal review and could affect continuation of employment, in accordance with relevant Trust policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSE passes grade C/4 or above including Maths, English and Science (or equivalent) - (certificates to be brought to interview)
Desirable
- A level qualification in Maths, English or Science
- Pharmacy Level 2 dispenser qualification
- Pharmacy Level 2 medicines counter assistant qualification
Experience
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- Previous Hospital Pharmacy employment
- Previous primary care/community pharmacy experience
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Desirable
- Previous hospital pharmacy employment
- Previous primary care/community pharmacy experience
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential
- 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
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
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Southmead Hospital
Southmead
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)