Job summary
Ready to launch your career in Pharmacy, or take it to the next level?
Whether you're just starting out or already working in Pharmacy and seeking a fresh challenge, this could be the opportunity for you.
We're looking for motivated, self driven and well organised individuals who are passionate about patient care to join our Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Apprenticeship.
This exciting programme offers hand on experience across a variety of pharmacy service areas. Training is delivered through a blend of online academic learning and practical, work based learning, where you'll develop professional knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Upon successful completion, you'll gain a formal qualification and be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician.
We have four apprenticeship positions available across Somerset NHS Foundation Trust:
2 posts at Musgrove Park Hospital
2 posts at Yeovil District Hospital
For full details of the apprenticeship, please visit our education provider's website: https://www.buttercupstraining.co.uk/course/pharmacy-technician-training-programme-apprenticeship-pathway
Please note:
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply.
The apprenticeship must be in an unrelated subject to any prior qualifications achieved at a similar or higher level (Level 3 or above).
Main duties of the job
This post is based at either Musgrove Park Hospital or Yeovil District Hospital with protected study time allocated in line with apprenticeship requirements.
Throughout your training you will rotate through various areas of the pharmacy department, including; Dispensary, Ward Distribution, Aseptic Services (Musgrove Park Hospital Only) and spend time on the wards within the Medicines Optimisation rotation.
During these rotations, you will gain experience and compile a portfolio of evidence in a wide range of duties, such as:
- Dispensing medications for both inpatients and outpatients
- Managing stock, including ward top-ups, expiry date checks and return of medication
- Assessing patient's own drugs (PODs) for use in a hospital setting
- Establishing accurate medication histories and completing medicines reconciliation to ensure safe and effective prescribing
- Performing final accuracy checks of dispensed medication
- Manufacturing aseptically prepared products in the pharmacy aseptic unit (Musgrove Park Hospital only)
For full details of the apprenticeship, please visit our education provider's website: https://www.buttercupstraining.co.uk/course/pharmacy-technician-training-programme-apprenticeship-pathway
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details and duties of the role. Further information on the apprenticeship course can be found using the links below:
https://www.buttercupstraining.co.uk/course/pharmacy-technician-training-programme-apprenticeship-pathway
https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/students-and-trainees/pharmacy-technician-education-and-training
For more information about the role, please contact Katie Hosking (Yeovil District Hospital) 01935 384947 or Chloe Archer (Musgrove Park Hospital) 01823 342135.
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply to this post and must be evidenced at interview.
Annex 21 salary offered is based on 70% of the top of Band 4 in Year 1 and 75% in Year 2, or the National Minimum Wage (NMW), whichever is higher. Band 3 pay protection would apply for candidates with pharmacy experience already employed on NHS contracts.
**Please note that this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.**
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details and duties of the role. Further information on the apprenticeship course can be found using the links below:
https://www.buttercupstraining.co.uk/course/pharmacy-technician-training-programme-apprenticeship-pathway
https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/students-and-trainees/pharmacy-technician-education-and-training
For more information about the role, please contact Katie Hosking (Yeovil District Hospital) 01935 384947 or Chloe Archer (Musgrove Park Hospital) 01823 342135.
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply to this post and must be evidenced at interview.
Annex 21 salary offered is based on 70% of the top of Band 4 in Year 1 and 75% in Year 2, or the National Minimum Wage (NMW), whichever is higher. Band 3 pay protection would apply for candidates with pharmacy experience already employed on NHS contracts.
**Please note that this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.**
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSE's Grade C or above (9-4) including Maths and English or ESFA approved equivalent.
- Where qualifications have been completed overseas, a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability is required.
- Please ensure each subject studied and the grade achieved is listed clearly in the qualifications section of your application.
Desirable
- Science GCSE Grade C or above (9-4) or ESFA approved equivalent*.
- RQF Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent.
- Where qualifications have been completed overseas, a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability is required.
- Please ensure each subject studied and the grade achieved is listed clearly in the qualifications section of your application.
Experience
Desirable
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently when required.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
- Previous experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
- Experience handling confidential information or working in a regulated setting.
- Familiarity with stock control or inventory management.
- Prior experience within a pharmacy setting, even in a voluntary or shadowing capacity.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Genuine interest in a career in pharmacy.
- An awareness of the requirements of the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) apprenticeship and the structure and content of the training completed as a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician.
- An understanding of the tole of a Pharmacy Technician and the scope of practice.
- Commitment to learning and development, with a proactive approach to study and training.
- Good communication skills both written and verbal.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
Desirable
- An awareness of the functions of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the 'Standards for Pharmacy Professionals'.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSE's Grade C or above (9-4) including Maths and English or ESFA approved equivalent.
- Where qualifications have been completed overseas, a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability is required.
- Please ensure each subject studied and the grade achieved is listed clearly in the qualifications section of your application.
Desirable
- Science GCSE Grade C or above (9-4) or ESFA approved equivalent*.
- RQF Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent.
- Where qualifications have been completed overseas, a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability is required.
- Please ensure each subject studied and the grade achieved is listed clearly in the qualifications section of your application.
Experience
Desirable
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently when required.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
- Previous experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
- Experience handling confidential information or working in a regulated setting.
- Familiarity with stock control or inventory management.
- Prior experience within a pharmacy setting, even in a voluntary or shadowing capacity.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Genuine interest in a career in pharmacy.
- An awareness of the requirements of the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) apprenticeship and the structure and content of the training completed as a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician.
- An understanding of the tole of a Pharmacy Technician and the scope of practice.
- Commitment to learning and development, with a proactive approach to study and training.
- Good communication skills both written and verbal.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
Desirable
- An awareness of the functions of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the 'Standards for Pharmacy Professionals'.
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.
