Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 May 2025

Job summary

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

The successful candidate will be enrolled onto a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship course.

This will involve working in different pharmacy teams across CNWL NHS and completing assignments/exams as set by the training provider.
The pre-registration pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician carrying out all the required duties of a registered pharmacy technician.
This will include working in Pharmacy Stores, Pharmacy Dispensary & Pharmacy Clinical teams, providing care to both community teams and bedded inpatient wards.
This role will require you to work within teams that provide pharmacy services to mental health and physical rehabilitation units.

This is an apprenticeship post and will include working remotely 1 day per week to attend a virtual classroom and/or undertake study as per training provider + apprenticeship requirements.

The training course duration is 2 years. Success is determined by completing set assignments/assessments, attending '12-week reviews' and meeting the 'end-point assessment' criteria.

Main duties of the job

To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including 'off the job training' and completion of 12-week reviews
To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions including clinical trials under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
To receive prescriptions and orders from patients and hospital staff in accordance with dispensary procedures.
To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy, wards and departments
To provide wards and units with pharmacy medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist
To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
To work at other CNWL pharmacy sites when necessary, for training and education purposes

About us

CNWL Pharmacy department has a long and established history of supporting trainee pharmacy professionals to achieve excellence.

As a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) you will get to work in different areas of CNWL Pharmacy over the 2 year training period; getting to know and understand what it takes to become a registered pharmacy technician.

In this role you will fulfil the occupational duties of a pharmacy technician, with full supervision and support every step of the way.

Whether you are working in dispensary, pharmacy stores or on the inpatient wards, our mission is to provide safe and compassionate care to our service users at all times.

A career as a Pharmacy Technician is highly rewarding. Once you have completed the training programme and registered with the GPhC, the development pathways are endless; with career paths in education and training, technology, manufacturing, operational management and advanced clinical practice.

Please note to be eligible for the Apprenticeship scheme you will need to meet the following:

UK National/UK Citizen/UK Resident
Right to work in the UK and you have been ordinarily resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the Apprenticeship
Your right to work in the UK must exceed beyond the course duration
Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol (see above)
Must be able to work >30hrs per wee

Date posted

17 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£30,039 to £31,088 a year per annum inc HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-C-HQ-0900

Job locations

St Charles Hospital - Mental Health Centre

St Charles Hospital - Mental Health Centre, Exmoor Street

London

W10 6DZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities

To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating procedures, and local Medicines Policy
To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions including clinical trials under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
To receive prescriptions and orders from patients and hospital staff in accordance with dispensary procedures
To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy, wards and departments
To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems
To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessary cover for other staff.
To provide wards and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.
To work at other pharmacy sites when necessary, for training and education purposes
To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times
To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training and completion of 12-week reviews
To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role-model behaviour at all time

Communication

Ensure information is provided in a timely manner, to the appropriate individual (in accordance with the degree of urgency of the request or issue identified).
Present information in a suitable format (e.g. written and/or verbal) and style for the target audience. Taking into consideration any potential barriers to effective communication.
Communicate with staff in clinical areas about medicines supply. Attend and participate in CNWL Pharmacy Staff meetings.
Communicate pharmacy technical issues with other pharmacy staff employed across the Trust.
Participate in service development and monitoring through attendance at relevant meetings.
To maintain excellent communication with your workplace educational supervisor and training programme tutors
Provide advice to patients on medicines within your scope of practice.
Use appropriate questioning techniques to discuss a patients medication history
To attend regular workplace educational supervisor reviews, 12-week reviews with the course provider and trainee pharmacy professional forums
To provide and receive constructive feedback on all individual performance, learning experience and assessment outcome results/experiences

Training

Be responsible for own learning in order to update pharmaceutical and clinical knowledge and skills.
To identify your own learning needs and request relevant training or support when necessary
Undertake regular meetings with supervisors and to reflect on own performance and feedback given by others
To follow standard operating procedures and professional standards at all times
To be compliant with all mandatory training as set by the trust education and training team
Adhere at all times to the Learning Agreement and declarations made to the apprenticeship team and the training provider
Participate fully in all the learning and study experiences made available in the workplace and by the training provider.
Undertake regular meetings, with internal and external trainers /assessors to ensure assignments and assessments are being completed within agreed deadlines
To be familiar with trainee support mechanisms and processes
To attend the CNWL Trainee Pharmacy Professional forums as set by the education programme director
To attend all pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician engagements/meetings as per NHS England Workforce, Training and Education instructions

Policy and Service Development

Contribute to the development of CNWL pharmacy services through CNWL Departmental and Pharmacy Technician meetings

(For more detail, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities

To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating procedures, and local Medicines Policy
To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions including clinical trials under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
To receive prescriptions and orders from patients and hospital staff in accordance with dispensary procedures
To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy, wards and departments
To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems
To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessary cover for other staff.
To provide wards and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.
To work at other pharmacy sites when necessary, for training and education purposes
To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times
To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training and completion of 12-week reviews
To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role-model behaviour at all time

Communication

Ensure information is provided in a timely manner, to the appropriate individual (in accordance with the degree of urgency of the request or issue identified).
Present information in a suitable format (e.g. written and/or verbal) and style for the target audience. Taking into consideration any potential barriers to effective communication.
Communicate with staff in clinical areas about medicines supply. Attend and participate in CNWL Pharmacy Staff meetings.
Communicate pharmacy technical issues with other pharmacy staff employed across the Trust.
Participate in service development and monitoring through attendance at relevant meetings.
To maintain excellent communication with your workplace educational supervisor and training programme tutors
Provide advice to patients on medicines within your scope of practice.
Use appropriate questioning techniques to discuss a patients medication history
To attend regular workplace educational supervisor reviews, 12-week reviews with the course provider and trainee pharmacy professional forums
To provide and receive constructive feedback on all individual performance, learning experience and assessment outcome results/experiences

Training

Be responsible for own learning in order to update pharmaceutical and clinical knowledge and skills.
To identify your own learning needs and request relevant training or support when necessary
Undertake regular meetings with supervisors and to reflect on own performance and feedback given by others
To follow standard operating procedures and professional standards at all times
To be compliant with all mandatory training as set by the trust education and training team
Adhere at all times to the Learning Agreement and declarations made to the apprenticeship team and the training provider
Participate fully in all the learning and study experiences made available in the workplace and by the training provider.
Undertake regular meetings, with internal and external trainers /assessors to ensure assignments and assessments are being completed within agreed deadlines
To be familiar with trainee support mechanisms and processes
To attend the CNWL Trainee Pharmacy Professional forums as set by the education programme director
To attend all pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician engagements/meetings as per NHS England Workforce, Training and Education instructions

Policy and Service Development

Contribute to the development of CNWL pharmacy services through CNWL Departmental and Pharmacy Technician meetings

(For more detail, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert)

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent OR Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent
Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary
Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard

Desirable

Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification This can include: Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) -Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting
Experience of working in a team
Experience of Health and Safety practices
Experience of working to deadlines

Desirable

Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
Previous experience of working in a mental health setting

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel)
Fluent written/spoken English
Ability to meet objectives and targets
Ability to use initiative to solve problems
Good communication skills (written and oral)

Desirable

Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

OTHER

Essential

Meets apprenticeship scheme eligibility -- /UK National/UK Citizen/UK Resident - Right to work in the UK + has been ordinarily a resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the Apprenticeship - The right to work in the UK must exceed beyond the course duration (Sept 2027) - Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol (see JD) - Must be able to work >30hrs per week

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent OR Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent
Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary
Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard

Desirable

Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification This can include: Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) -Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting
Experience of working in a team
Experience of Health and Safety practices
Experience of working to deadlines

Desirable

Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
Previous experience of working in a mental health setting

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel)
Fluent written/spoken English
Ability to meet objectives and targets
Ability to use initiative to solve problems
Good communication skills (written and oral)

Desirable

Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

OTHER

Essential

Meets apprenticeship scheme eligibility -- /UK National/UK Citizen/UK Resident - Right to work in the UK + has been ordinarily a resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the Apprenticeship - The right to work in the UK must exceed beyond the course duration (Sept 2027) - Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol (see JD) - Must be able to work >30hrs per week

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information