Job summary
This is a fixed term/secondment post until 30/09/2027.
If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.
This post is a fixed term training contract of 24 months. The training post provides the opportunity to gain the required experience and qualification(s) needed to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Salary: Annex 21 Band 4 - 70% of top of band 4 in year one and 75% in year two.
Pharmacy technicians develop a high level of expertise in relation to medicines and health and they work as part of healthcare teams in hospitals, manufacturing units, community pharmacies and GP practices. They focus on management and use of medicines to make sure all types of people get the best outcomes from their medicines. They lead teams delivering medicines service.
During the two year training you will be expected to gain experience reflecting the changing and growing roles of the Pharmacy Technician.
Successful completion of the programme enables you to apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council for registration as a Pharmacy Technician and to apply for jobs as a Pharmacy Technician.
Main duties of the job
If you are accurate, methodical, caring and interested in health and wellbeing then this could be the opportunity for you.
We are looking for forward thinking, enthusiastic, organised and motivated individuals to join our dynamic and motivated Pharmacy team at Glangwili General Hospital.
The role of the Pharmacy technician is varied and interesting and continuously developing new roles, which is why we are offering this opportunity to explore this innovative role in a rotational training programme. You will gain experience in a hospital setting dispensing for In-patients and Out-patients, Purchasing and Distribution and ward based work.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
o Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwesto Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshireo Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settingso 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providerso Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job description attached refers to the position that you would be working towards. Those that currently hold the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy services, NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services or equivalent qualification will not be considered.
To be shortlisted for an interview, candidates will need a minimum of 4GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including:
GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 2. GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Essential Skills Wales Application of Number Level 2. One GCSE Science at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent.
Candidates who apply using equivalence principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales communication and application of number.
Proof of qualifications will be required on the day of the interview. If certificates are not provided on the day we will not be able to proceed with the interview.
You will undertake a training programme approved by the GPhC for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians. All candidates who do not already hold the qualification Essential Skills Wales digital literacy at level 2 will need to complete this as part of the programme.
To complete the programme, candidates will need the ability and enthusiasm to undertake a modern apprenticeship training programme which will take two years to complete. This involves working full time (37.5 hours a week) in a pharmacy, building a portfolio of evidence, work-based assessment, on-line learning, study days and group work and following the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.
A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential as well as an ability to meet the deadlines set during your training programme.
Experience of working effectively both in a team and independently and previous pharmacy experience are desirable but not essential for this post.
The successful applicant will need to attain the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules. This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 28/07/2025.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job description attached refers to the position that you would be working towards. Those that currently hold the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy services, NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services or equivalent qualification will not be considered.
To be shortlisted for an interview, candidates will need a minimum of 4GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including:
GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 2. GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Essential Skills Wales Application of Number Level 2. One GCSE Science at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent.
Candidates who apply using equivalence principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales communication and application of number.
Proof of qualifications will be required on the day of the interview. If certificates are not provided on the day we will not be able to proceed with the interview.
You will undertake a training programme approved by the GPhC for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians. All candidates who do not already hold the qualification Essential Skills Wales digital literacy at level 2 will need to complete this as part of the programme.
To complete the programme, candidates will need the ability and enthusiasm to undertake a modern apprenticeship training programme which will take two years to complete. This involves working full time (37.5 hours a week) in a pharmacy, building a portfolio of evidence, work-based assessment, on-line learning, study days and group work and following the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.
A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential as well as an ability to meet the deadlines set during your training programme.
Experience of working effectively both in a team and independently and previous pharmacy experience are desirable but not essential for this post.
The successful applicant will need to attain the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules. This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 28/07/2025.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including English, Maths and one Science
Experience
Desirable
- Previous Pharmacy experience
- Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
- Customer services experience.
Language Skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including English, Maths and one Science
Experience
Desirable
- Previous Pharmacy experience
- Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
- Customer services experience.
Language Skills
Desirable
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.
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
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.
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).
